Diane Bowers Whitehead

Barbara Diane Bowers Whitehead, 83, of Siler City, went to her Heavenly home on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Diane was born on May 31st, 1942, in Washington, DC to the late John Coy and Theresa Collins Bowers. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Willis Lee Whitehead. Diane moved to Siler City in 1947 for her family to operate Bills Grill and later, Club Diane banquet and dance area. She graduated Jordan-Matthews High School in 1960, Meredith College in 1964 with a BS in Business Education, and finally UNC-Greensboro in 1967 with a Master’s in Education. She retired from Chatham County Schools as a Career Development Coordinator at Jordan-Matthews High School.

Diane was a member of First Baptist Church having served as SS Superintendent, WMU President and Deacon, and member of the Finance Board. She was a member of Alpha Pi Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society and enjoyed playing Bridge.

Left to cherish Diane’s memory are her daughters, Barbara Whitehead Townsend and her husband, Bobby, and Loretta Whitehead Wynn and her husband, Billy; her grandchildren, Dean Townsend and his wife, Taylor, Barrett Townsend and his wife, McKinley, Alayna Townsend, Katelyn Batchelor, and Hunter Batchelor; her great grandchildren, Sophie Grace Townsend, Lorelei Faith Townsend, Ivey Jo Townsend, and Andi Lee Townsend.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Siler City on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at 2pm. Visitation will be held at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home on Friday, November 7th, 2025, from 5-7 pm. Burial will follow the service at Chatham Memorial Park. Services will be officiated by Dr. Allen Admire and Reverend Patrick Daniel.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Diane’s caregiver, Amy Purcell & Amedisys Hospice.

Memorials made to First Baptist Church Capital Fund, 314 N 2nd Ave, Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Whitehead family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com