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Diane Cross Atkinson, 68, of Bainbridge, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024. 

A private graveside funeral service will be held at Brinson Cemetery with Rev. David Grubbs officiating. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 www.heart.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. www.stjude.org/donate 

Diane Cross was born March 23, 1956, in Bainbridge, GA, the daughter of Charlie B. & Martha Shattles Cross. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1974. Diane spent her years working as a physical education paraprofessional at Elcan-King Elementary School, as a program director at the YMCA, yard crew leader at Decatur-Seminole Service Center, and with the City of Bainbridge Leisure Services. Diane was a member of First Church of the Nazarene.

For years, every single player at the Leisure Services ball fields knew “Miss Diane”. She was there working but also encouraging players, settling disputes, running the concession stands, and teaching young people “soft skills” on, what was for many, their first jobs. Diane never wanted anyone to go without and often shared when she had no extra to give. Most of the time, this was done anonymously expecting zero in return. She would remark this was just how she was wired.

She loved working in her own yard after putting in a full day with her crew serving their customers all over Bainbridge. Diane’s yard crew guys always felt like they were the crew for the Atlanta Braves stadium and followed her lead as she worked right alongside them. She helped them meet many people who became their support systems in town.

For Diane, taking photos was more than a hobby. She took it upon herself to become the family historian documenting every moment and event. She chuckled as she reminisced over days gone by recounting who was there, what they said, and how it turned out. Those that knew her well, can still see her smile as she yelled, “Roll Tide” to her Auburn and Georgia friends.

Survivors include her children, Corey & Brandy Atkinson; her grandson, Briar; her siblings, Sue & Kenny Sandlin of Brinson and Charlie B., Jr. & Vickie Cross of Colquitt; and several nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her sister, Gail Gause, and the love of her life, Dennis Faircloth.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)