DIANA GARNES HANDY

DECEMBER 11, 1967 – JUNE 22, 2021

Diana Garnes Handy, 53, originally from Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away on June 22.

She was born in Waynesville on December 11, 1967 to William and Audrey Grooms Garnes.  She graduated from Pisgah High School, and attended Haywood County Community College, where she graduated with honors.

Diana married Bruce Handy in May of 1995 and their life together led them down many different paths.  While they were members of Clyde Methodist Church in Clyde, North Carolina, Bruce had a call to ministry.  At each new church, she made friends and embraced the life of a pastor's spouse.  She made each different parsonage a home for her family, and each one was a place of comfort and peace.

Diana worked at several jobs during her lifetime.  While a bookkeeper for Walmart, she was sent to England for three months to help train people there.  She undertook that assignment with a spirit of adventure and was able to visit several other countries, including Greece, Ireland and France.  Her last position was with Ameri Gas, where she was a Customer Service Representative.  She was depended upon to help people who called in with problems and her kind, caring nature soothed many ruffled feathers.

Diana was a gifted artist, who worked with glass and created many beautiful sculptures and pieces of art.    She enjoyed making special gifts for people, and always gave her creations away to family and friends who treasure them.

Diana's greatest joy was her family.  She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Rev. Bruce Handy.  She is also survived by her four daughters, whom she was fiercely protective of, and loved with her whole being.  She was happiest when her family was all together, celebrating a holiday or just having the chance to hang out together.  They are Felicia Mancilla Handy and her husband Ray; Julie Handy (Joseph); Bianca Handy and her fiancé Alex; and Leah Handy.  Also surviving is her granddaughter, Anna, who brought such special happiness to her life.  She also loved a special canine friend, Max.

Diana is survived by her mother, Audrey Garnes, her sister Darlene Garnes, and her brothers Doug and Dean and their families.  She is predeceased by her father, William Garnes.

While we cannot imagine life without her, we will always feel her love and support.  We will treasure our time with her even though it was cut so short and will try to live as she would want, remembering her goodness and love that knew no boundaries, and try to live the same way.  She will always be our guiding light.

The family will hold a service for Diana on Saturday, June 26th, at 2pm at Marshville United Methodist Church, 310 Ross Street, Marshville, NC.  The Reverends Kelly Dotson and Holly Evensen will be officiating the service.  The family will receive guests from 1 to 2 at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials can be made to Marshville United Methodist Church, Nicaragua Ministry, 310 Ross Street, Marshville, NC, 28103.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Handy.