Johnnie "Diane" Sowards, 80, of Oakland, TN, passed peacefully on July 21, 2023.

Diane was born the only child of the late John and Anna Bell File on August 18, 1942, in Memphis, TN. She was predeceased by Richard "Rick" Sowards, who was her soul mate and husband. After dating only 4 months, they knew. Then the fun began with what was truly their love of a lifetime. 49 years later, they would still choose each other.

Diane is survived by her best son, Scott Sowards, her first and last daughter-in-law, Denise Sowards, and her absolute pride and joy, her granddaughter, Megan. Also by her favorite daughter and best friend, Kellie Sowards Doyle and her one and only son-in-law Corey Doyle.

Diane Sowards, the world will miss the nurturing nature you tucked just underneath your boisterous personality and how unbridled and pure your honesty was that it could only make you smile. That is: if you weren't laughing out loud from her skilled and witty delivery. That and so much more was Diane.

Reunited
She knew her life was through,
But wasn't scared to die;
She closed her pain filmed eyes,
Her final breath a sigh.
Her husband took her hand,
And whispered, "Welcome", dear.
It's been so very long -
We won't be parted here.
Author: Jack Horne

Celebration of Life will be held on August 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East
2440 Whitten Road
Memphis, TN 38133