Patricia Diane Johnson

Patricia "Diane" Johnson, 76, drew her final breath at home in Lawrenceville, Georgia with her son by her side after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Born in Tampa, Florida, on August 8, 1949, Diane was the daughter of John and Patricia Dormany and the eldest of four children.

Diane spent her childhood in Tampa, where she developed a lifelong love for horses. Her family moved to the Atlanta area when she was a teenager, and she went on to graduate from Chamblee High School. Her passion for learning and helping others led her to earn a Bachelor's in Education from the University of South Florida, later returning to Atlanta to complete her Master's in Education at Georgia State University.

Diane's true calling was in the classroom. For more than 35 years, she served as a dedicated public school teacher in DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties, shaping the lives of generations of students with patience, wisdom, and her sharp sense of humor.

Diane's greatest pride and joy were found in the family she built in the Atlanta area. She was a devoted mother to her son, Adam Johnson, and a mother-in-law to Elizabeth Johnson, whom she truly adored. Her five grandchildren; Lily, Teddy, Clementine, Chance, and Clover who were the absolute lights of her life. She loved them more than anything in the world. Diane also leaves behind her faithful companion of 11 years, her dog Bella, who has joined Adam, Elizabeth, and the grandchildren in their home.

Diane's strength, her dedication to her students, and her fierce love for her family leave a legacy that will never be forgotten.

In her later years, Diane's favorite pastime was watching her grandchildren participate in their various activities - including Lily and Teddy's band performances. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Lakeside High School Band, where her grandchildren continue her legacy of passion and performance. Donations can be made through the following link: https://lakesidebandassociation.membershiptoolkit.com/diane-johnson-donations