Diana Claire Kessler Dyer

1949 - 2019

Diana Claire Kessler Dyer, age 70, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2019, in Slidell. Diana was born in Centralia, IL on August 26, 1949 to Henry and Kathleen Kessler. She was able to travel the country during her childhood, seeing lots of different cultures and making new friends wherever she went. She enjoyed listening to music and attending live concerts. In 1965, she moved to Louisiana and made Slidell her life-long home, graduating from Slidell High School in 1967. She then went on to study elementary education at Louisiana State University. She taught English at Slidell Junior High until the birth of her children. Diana was an active community member, always giving freely of her time and talents. She served as a member and leader in the Slidell Jaycees, the Slidell Lionesses, the Slidell Boys and Girls Club, Junior Auxiliary, First United Methodist Church, Women's Health Alliance, Camellia City Farmers Market, and school PTA organizations. As her children got older, Diana worked as a bookkeeper at Sal and Judy's restaurant. When not busy with her children, grandchildren, and community work, Diana enjoyed riding around Slidell on her Harley Davidson motorcycle or in her red Corvette. She also enjoyed traveling around the world with family members, and visited England, France, Sicily, Italy, Spain, Morocco, the Caribbean, and the Greek Islands. Her favorite trips were made to visit family in Pennsylvania in hopes of seeing snow. She would always bring shrimp, king cake, and Mardi Gras beads to share. Diana was the beloved mother of Kellie Ainsworth (Richard) and Mark C. Dyer, II (Rachel). She is also survived by her three grandsons, Peyton Ainsworth, Luke Dyer, and Cameron Dyer, and sisters Kathy Stanley (Robert) and Jan Kessler. She was the former wife of the late Mark C. Dyer. The family would like to thank the many caring medical staff and family members who assisted with her care while she battled Parkinson's Disease. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Rev. Tiffanie Lyon of First United Methodist Church, officiated. Donations to First United Methodist Church, 434 Erlanger, Slidell, LA 70458, or the Dyer Family Permanent Endowment Fund at First United Methodist Church, in lieu of flowers are greatly appreciated. Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook. Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.