Gloria Diane Salisbury

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Diane Salisbury on October 25, 2026 in Thomasville, Georgia, following a courageous battle with dementia.

Born in Cairo, Georgia, on November 13, 1946, to the late E. D. and Pearl Baggett, Diane's life was deeply rooted in the traditions and warmth of South Georgia. After graduating from Cairo High School in 1964, her journey led her through various states, including Alabama, New York, Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina, before she ultimately returned to her beloved Georgia.

Diane lived a life defined by unwavering faith and enthusiasm. A devoted Christian, she found deep fulfillment within her church family, actively participating in Bible studies and enriching services with her beautiful singing voice as a member of the choir. She approached every endeavor with a creative and fearless spirit, whether indulging in her passions for baking, sewing, and reading, or engaging in athletic pursuits. A varsity cheerleader and basketball player in high school, she continued her love for sports through the years playing softball and golf. Her enthusiasm also extended to gardening and devotion to Florida State University athletics. Attending any FSU event brought her immense joy.

Professionally, Diane dedicated many years of service as an Administrative Assistant at Truist Bank until her retirement.

Despite facing significant personal challenges, trauma, and heartbreak throughout her life, Diane consistently embodied kindness, generosity, and a sweet disposition. She was a compassionate soul, always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and family in times of illness or need.

Her final years were marked by a valiant struggle with dementia, a cruel disease that slowly diminished her vibrant spirit since its diagnosis in 2021. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, we find comfort in knowing that she has now found eternal peace with the Lord.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved son, John Dean; her brother, Alton Baggett, and his wife, Charelotte; her sister, Delores Smith, and her husband, Cecil; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, long-time friends, and loved ones.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Shannon Cheney and her husband Dave, and Janina Seifel and her husband Jon; her grandsons, Zane and Zeke Seifel; her brother, Earl Baggett and his wife Peggy; and her sister, Betty Suber. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will dearly miss her.

In accordance with Diane's wishes, no formal funeral or visitation service will be held. The family respectfully asks that you honor her memory in a way that is personally meaningful to you. The family will also be honoring Diane's enduring love for Florida State University with a commemorative brick, a tribute we know she would have deeply cherished.

Her final days spent in the familiar embrace of South Georgia, where her heart and the memories of her parents always remained, would have undoubtedly brought her a special measure of peace. We love and miss her and cherish her memory and the impact she had on our lives.