Diane Thomas Lumpkin was born July 28, 1961 to Lamar Thomas and the late Martha Lou Thomas.  Her parents raised her in a loving Christian home. At an early age she joined Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Diane received her education from the Oconee County School District where she was a 1979 graduate of Oconee County High School.  She furthered her education by enrolling into Athens Technical School where she became a Medical Assistant.

The summer after high school graduation, she met James Lumpkin, Jr and after a long courtship they were married August 13, 2011.  Although their marriage was brief, she was always a loving, caring, supportive and devoted companion to James.

Diane worked in the medical profession 17 years for the Medical Practice of Dr. James Brown. After the closing of the practice, she continued working in the medical field and joined the staff of Athens Neighborhood Health Center. She returned to school to pursuit a degree as a Registered Nurse, but due to illness she was unable to continue.

She leaves cherished memories to her husband, James Lumpkin, Jr; 3 sisters, Cora (Terry, Sr.) Wright, Mary Lisa (Royan) Kelly, Margaret (Rodney) Hill all of Athens; a brother, Wayne D. Thomas and dear friend, Yvette Pass of Athens; mother-in-law, Annie Lumpkin; father-in-law, James Lumpkin, Sr; niece, nephews, aunts, uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.

*The family will receive friends at the Fortson's Residence, 276 The Plaza, Athens.