Dianne Gilliland Grady

Dianne Gilliland Grady, age 77, of Birmingham, Alabama, entered into the presence of the Lord on June 14, 2025. Born on January 28, 1948, Dianne lived a life marked by quiet strength, enduring faith, and selfless devotion to those she loved.

A faithful servant of Christ, Dianne was raised in the Christian faith and remained steadfast in it throughout her life. As a preacher’s wife, she lovingly served behind the scenes—helping plan church events, singing at Christmas services, and offering quiet acts of generosity to those in need. She had a special place in her heart for ministries that supported women and children, and in recent years, she participated in a fundraiser that helped provide support and resources for mothers in crisis and their children—a cause she believed deeply reflected the love of Christ.

Dianne graduated from Banks High School and went on to work at Riggins Tallow Company and Southern Progress. She spent her life in service to her family and community. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where every meal was made with love and every guest felt like family. She was known for organizing extravagant birthday parties for her children and grandchildren, complete with beautifully decorated, homemade cakes that were as delicious as they were memorable. She took special joy in caring for her mother, Annie Ruth Harvey Gilliland Creel, who lived with her for many years. Dianne’s life was a living testimony to the virtues of compassion, hospitality, and grace.

To her five grandchildren, she was known lovingly as “Honey”—a name that captured her sweetness, warmth, and unwavering devotion. Honey’s hugs, laughter, and loving presence shaped our lives deeply. She showed up for every moment, big and small, and gave her whole heart to each of us. We adored her, and she adored us—and that love will echo in our hearts forever.

Dianne was reunited in Heaven with her father, Grover Eugene Gilliland, and is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Fred Grady; her devoted mother, Annie Ruth Harvey Gilliland Creel; her sister, Carol (Don) Hagel; her children, Allison (Chris) Jones and Richard (Stephanie) McGuire; and her treasured grandchildren, Carlin Jones (Jake) Beddingfield, Emory Hope Jones, Anna Grace Jones, Lily McGuire, and Adeline McGuire.

As Proverbs 31:31 reminds us, “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise in the gates.” Her reward is now in Heaven, where she is embraced by the One she served faithfully. The impact of her life will be felt for generations, and her memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to be loved by her.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Marshall Memorial Gardens, located at 3368 Al Hwy 205, Albertville, AL 35950, With Bro. Chris Jones officiating.