Obituary of Diane Kay Morrison

Obituary for Diane Kay Morrison

Diane Kay Morrison, 73, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Diane was born February 19, 1948 in Malinta, Ohio to the late Harold and Helen (Gerken) Meyer. Diane was a Christ-centered woman of faith who loved her family deeply. Never a day transpired without making sure her children knew they were loved and accepted. She had the ability to make everyone she came in contact with feel valued and important. 

Diane had many hobbies and activities that brought her joy. She loved music deeply and was a masterful gardener (traits she passed down to her children and grandchildren). She spent many years playing piano and singing for her church choir and could often be found putting her green thumb to use in her yard or garden in her spare time. She loved to crochet blankets, throws, and scarves for her loved ones, often crocheting baby blankets for expectant mothers. Refinishing furniture was another passion and she often gifted these pieces to others. 

After moving to South Carolina from Ohio in 1989, Diane worked for Columbia Counseling Center where she was known for making patients feel welcome and comfortable. She then spent 20 years working at The State Newspaper as the Newsroom Operations Manager and Photo Assignments Editor. Some of her most memorable work was in planning The Women’s Expo events. After retiring from The State, Diane worked at First Church of the Nazarene. 

Diane is survived by her children - Danielle Anderson (Bill) and Matthew Morrison; stepsons - Leslie Morrison, Jr. (Pam) and Rick Morrison (Dawn); grandchildren - Nikki Dunn (Andy), Darren Morrison (Megan), Derek Morrison (Maci), Mitchell Morrison, Luke Morrison, Garrick Morrison, Naiya Morrison, Garrett Anderson, and Morgan Anderson; siblings - Roger Gerken, Robert Meyer (Barb) and Shirley May; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Diane was predeceased by her brother, James Gerken (Nonnie). 

Her family will receive family and friends at a Celebration of Life service at First Church of the Nazarene, 901 St. Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC on Tuesday, September 7 at 4pm. Memorials may be made to Reconciliation Ministries - http://www.reconciliation-min.org/.