Diana Joan (Nelson) Whitener

Mrs. Diana Joan (Nelson) Whitener passed away peacefully at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. She was born on June 11, 1940, in Turlock, California, to the late Sydney Bror Nelson and Agnes (Mostrom) Nelson.

Mrs. Whitener was a 1958 graduate of Hilmar High School. She loved playing trumpet in the band and being a majorette.

Following high school, Mrs. Whitener studied at Modesto Junior College before choosing a career as a bank teller, which she enjoyed doing for many years.

Mrs. Whitener had many loves: her family, growing up on the farm, her Morgan horse Babe, her cats Sammy and Callie, and traveling.

She met and married the love of her life, Oren B. Whitener II, in 1962. They celebrated 48 years of marriage before his passing in 2011.

Mrs. Whitener was preceded in death by her brothers, Eric Nelson (Shirley), Ed Nelson (Ronnie), and Teddy Nelson (age 3); sisters, Bertha Larsson (Albert) and Martha King (Ben); nephew, Doug Nelson (Susie) and niece, Caren Nelson Griggs.

Mrs. Whitener is survived by her daughter, Leslie Ann Crockett of Ossian, Indiana; granddaughter, Briana Marie Crockett (Chase Brown); son, Oren Bickett Whitener III of Breckenridge Hills, Missouri; granddaughter, Nicole Elizabeth Whitener; great-granddaughters, Kaia, Jade and Eva; and grandson, Justin Bickett Whitener. She is also survived by nieces, Kathy Nelson James, Barbara Nelson Reed, Gloria Nelson London, Lori Nelson Godfrey, LaLonie Nelson Tipton; nephews Eric Nelson, Gary Larsson, and Dennis Larsson.

Memorial services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 19th at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston and Horner. Chaplin Kelly Stockton will officiate. Her family will receive friends from 12pm until service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cookeville/Putnam Co. Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501

Dyer Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 931-526-7158. Share your condolences and memories at www.dyerfh.com.