Patricia "Diane" Bryant Mathis, 71, of Cullowhee, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

She was the daughter of the late Jess Bryant and Jean Coggins Tilley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Sandra Reece and Billy Bryson. Diane was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church on Caney Fork.

Diane lived most of her life in Jackson County, she loved her church, nature, and bird watching, especially Hummingbirds. The thing she cherished most was spending time with family. Her granddaughter, Parker, was her world.

Diane is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dale Mathis; one daughter, Susan Mathis; and one granddaughter Parker Sophie Mathis, all of Cullowhee, NC. She is also survived by seven sisters, Martha Jones of Sylva, NC, Bobbie Durham of Waynesville, NC, Peggy Pace of Pickens, SC, Dana Byers of Grover, NC, Debbie Rushing of TN, Jamie Cunningham of Sylva, NC, and Kim Austin of Sylva, NC; one brother, Steve Tilley of Whittier, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be Sunday, September 26, at 3pm at Sugar Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Webb and Rev. Robert Stiles will officiate. Burial will be in the Balsam Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 till 3, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Doug Mathis, Caleb Mathis, Cole Mathis, Todd Mathis, Dustin Melton, and Trevor Burns.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Balsam Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, C/O Dale Mathis, 270 Potpourri Ln., Cullowhee, NC 28723 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.