Diane Kay Woodard, 57, took Jesus' hand and died peacefully late Friday evening July 12th at Tranquility Hospice Center in Kennesaw, GA. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Raymond and Hellen Zwingeberg on October 13th, 1961. Diane attended school in East Grand Rapids and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. Growing up Diane loved baking, reading, writing, singing in the church choir, painting and drawing. While in High School Diane loved spending time with her family at their vacation condo in Islamorada, FL fishing with her dad and shell hunting with her mother, sister and brother. From all her Florida trips, Diane loved to create shell art transforming lamps and mirrors into beautiful works of art and selling them. During High School Diane also earned her private pilot's license and initially attended Western Michigan University's aeronautics program. Diane changed majors and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design. While home from a break as a junior at Western Michigan University Diane met and later married Michael Lee Woodard, also from Grand Rapids, MI on June 27th, 1985. Two years after they married, Diane went back to college and earned a Master of Arts in Management from Aquinas College, in Grand Rapids, MI. Shortly after Diane graduated from Aquinas, they moved to Orlando, FL. While in Orlando Diane worked for the Walt Disney Company for several years, which was a lifelong dream of hers. After moving to Atlanta, GA, and being a beloved stay at home mom for 14 years, Diane began her journey at Tippens Education Center. She began as a substitute teacher and later became a Paraprofessional for high school and then middle school students. She had a kind and patient heart for the students at the school and over the years the staff became her circle of best friends and family. They each held a special place in her heart.

In 1996 Diane began the life journey that, she fondly stated she was destined for -motherhood. Diane's three daughters Leigha, Nicole and Olivia were everything to her. She always had a special way of going the extra mile for her daughters by showing up for every single event and supporting every ambition they had. Diane poured her love of painting, drawing, volunteerism, baking and creative writing into her beautiful daughters. As the girls were growing up, Diane loved taking the girls down to Walt Disney World and let the girls experience the magic of Disney.  Diane and the girls got involved in the Georgia House Rabbit Society after Nicole brought home a pet rabbit that she rescued.  They loved volunteering together at the Society and ultimately ended up adding several rabbits to the family.  Of all the activities that the family enjoyed, Diane most loved spending time with the girls down at their Destin condo walking on the beach and playing in the ocean.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Zwingeberg and Katie Simmons. She is survived by her husband Michael and their three daughters Leigha, Nicole and Olivia. Funeral services will be at Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Dr. Woodstock, GA 30188 on Saturday, July 20th, 2019 at 2 pm. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 11 am – 2 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at www.bcrf.org or The Georgia House Rabbit Society at https://www.houserabbitga.com

Diane's family would especially like to thank the caring and giving professionals at both North Georgia Oncology and WellStar Community Hospice.

Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188, PH: 770-293-2757 is honored to assist the Woodard Family with the arrangements. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.lakesidefuneralhomega.com