Dianne Forrest, 61, of Powder Springs, GA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 5, 2020 of a heart attack. Her Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 2pm-4pm at the Forrest family home. Please RSVP at the following: https://bit.ly/diannersvp. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the animal rescue FurKids Atlanta at: https://bit.ly/diannedonation. Instructions for a donation are included through the RSVP link. 

Dianne is survived by her husband, Howard Forrest; daughters, Jessica and Samantha Forrest; brothers, Walter, Michael, Kenny, and Buzzy Butler, and David Morris; sisters, Dixie Butler and Karen Morris; along with all of their families, including Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Butler and Christine Moran. 

Dianne Forrest was born in Atlanta, GA on December 31, 1958 and grew up in Georgia and Arkansas. Dianne served her country as a Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army, caring for amputee servicemen and women, at facilities in Texas, Colorado, and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.

Dianne met her husband Howard on a blind date arranged by Dianne’s niece, Julie Edwards, in September 1982. They became inseparable and were married May 4, 1985. They built a business, their home of 30+ years, and a beautiful family. They were blessed with two daughters, Jessica and Samantha, and 7 dogs over the past 35 years. 

Family was everything to Dianne. She loved her family unconditionally. She often shared how proud she was of her husband’s achievements, from a great golf game, to his next woodworking project, and the things he does for his family, along with her daughters’ accomplishments. Samantha would often bring her yellow roses, which always brought a smile to her face. Jessica would bring the best music playlist to brighten her day. Dianne and the girls would dance and sing loudly and off-key, much to the chagrin of their husband and father. She enjoyed life with Howard and was so happy to go out on movie and dinner dates and just folding laundry together. She loved their life. 

Dianne had the biggest heart, literally and figuratively, for others. Her compassion and love for others meant she never met a stranger. Everyone she met was impacted by her beautiful smile and heart. Dianne’s friend and doctor said that she was a beautiful ray of sunshine, and she was to everyone. She cared deeply about praying and supporting others. 

Dianne had an unshakeable faith in Jesus. She would spend hours in His Word. She hungered to know her Savior and to always point others to Him. Her faith was instrumental in shaping her daughters’ relationship with Jesus. She had the most beautiful prayer life, thanking God for all of His blessings and bringing her struggles and others to Him. 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Outside of her family, friends, and faith, Dianne’s biggest passion in life was animals. She would stop for all woodland creatures and even rescued a few beavers! She loved the deer and turkeys that frequented the family’s yard. She loved whistling to the birds and sometimes they’d even whistle back, much to the annoyance of her husband. She would turn to absolute mush when the ASPCA commercials would come on. She loved dogs and they loved her. The family has had 7 dogs over the years. She was preceded in death by Hannibal, Hawkeye, Luke Skywalker, Abby, and Hunter. She is survived by Bud and Oliver. 

Dianne will be dearly missed by her family and friends. We know she is in the arms of her Savior and we will see her again. 

“She knows eternal love has proven faithful, and she is forever grateful for the smallest prayers that have been answered.” All Along You Were Blooming – Morgan Harper Nichols.