Dianne Elizabeth Johnson

Dianne Elizabeth Gore Johnson was born May 10, 1961, to Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Carter Gore (deceased) and Charles Rudolph "Rudy" Gore (deceased). On March 9, 2026, after a long illness, Dianne went home to be with those whom she loved who had gone on before. While Dianne was always fashionably late for every family or social event, she was far too early for our liking this time. The world is less colorful and a bit colder without her.

After graduating from Talcott High School, Dianne worked at Kroger in Hinton for 42 years. She was famous for her friendly smile, helpful service, and quality food in the deli, a natural extension of her love of people. Little people got extra special service, as Dianne thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity she had to offer a cookie or donut to make the visit special-and to help parents survive shopping with littles. Dianne never met a stranger, so her work at Kroger expanded her vast network of people she cared about, and who cared for her.

Dianne was especially committed to the young people she encountered throughout her work life, the community, and within her family. She was a great encourager and motivator, teaching (and, truly, preaching) determination and possibility to the many young people she was connected to. Youth sports were a passion for her, and she was the epitome of a loyal booster to local teams - especially when they involved her younger sister, Kim; her son, TeeJay; and her nephews and younger cousins. Decades later, Dianne was thrilled to have that same opportunity to travel in support of her cherished grandson Trevin, as he participated in BMX Supercross Racing. Many, now grown with children of their own, fondly remember her influence and encouragement. Whether in the stands, giving rides home, or providing food or funding, Dianne showed up to support and cheer them on.

Growing up in Talcott, surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and countless cousins running through Pie Hollow, built in her a deep commitment to family. Her respect and service for her elders continued from childhood until illness prevented it in recent years. Dianne was always willing to run an errand or deliver supplies, serving and loving others in practical ways. Her love was also demonstrated in caring for her mother, for whom she was the primary caregiver through Libby's own lengthy illness and end of life. The many cousins created lasting friendships and countless stories of adventure and laughter over the years. Her cousin Stephanie Wynes remained especially close to Dianne over the decades - if you couldn't find one, you only had to call the other. Their friendship was loyal, kind, and true: a blessing for them, and an inspiration for others.

Dianne's love for her family was the stuff of legend. Her husband, sons, and ten siblings - their spouses and children - are bound together because Dianne refused to allow it any other way. If one got too far afield, she would pull them right back in, sometimes forcibly. There was no escaping her love and her determination to keep family close. Dianne was affectionately known by many as "Lady Di" or "Dinah," and by her sons, nieces, and nephews as the original "Madea." Over the years, her home was often the soft landing many young people needed and benefited from. Her love was fierce, always present, especially in difficult times. Her love was firm, always determined to keep her babies on track-even when the babies had babies of their own.

Dianne's determination to keep family close was partly a product of having lost so many over the years. Those waiting for her homecoming were her parents, Rudy and Libby; her firstborn son, Micah; brothers Rudolph Ricardo "Ricky" Gore, Dwayne Cardale Gore, and Kevin Brent Gore; sisters Darlene Alfreda Gore, Rebecca Lynn Manuel and Jeri Leigh Jarrell; and several nephews and cousins whom she held especially dear. She was ready for the reunion.

Those left to grieve her loss and carry forward her legacy of family and love are: her loving husband, Theodore "Ted" R. Johnson III; her cherished son and grandson, Theodore "TeeJay" R. Johnson IV and Trevin Micah Johnson; her beloved bonus sons, Jonathan Galloway and Kaliek Johnson; and adoring siblings- Francine (Robert) Smith, Charles David (Jo Anne) Gore, Brian Keith (Jerri) Gore, Fredric Cris Gore, and Kim Yvonne (Abel) Young.

She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply:
Gore nieces-Shawna, Kiristin, Danelle, Samantha, and Kailen;
Gore nephews-William, Stephen, Dennis, Keegan, Kip, Abel Jr., CJ, Justus, Jaydon, and Jacob;
and Johnson nieces and nephews-Tasha, Derrick, Lance, and Logan

She is also lovingly remembered by 25 great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as a large circle of extended family, and friends who became family, all grieving alongside those who loved her most.

Join us to honor Dianne at Pivont Funeral Home on Saturday March 21st, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Matthew Saunders, Bishop Fred Simms and Rev. John Burnett officiating Burial will follow in the Gore Family Cemetery at Talcott, WV. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Dianne Elizabeth Johnson, please click here to visit our sympathy store.