Diane Buckner Griffin

ROCKY MOUNT – Diane Buckner Griffin, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 9, 2026.  Born in Warren County, NC on November 1, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Gussie Kimball Buckner and Roy Lee Buckner.  From the age of eight, Diane was raised with love by the late Rebecca and Donald Midgett.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Michael Buckner, David Midgett, Bill Bevil, and Felix Whitehurst; her sister, Donna Whitehurst; as well as her nephew, Grant Buckner.

Diane spent more than 50 years as a devoted hair stylist, touching countless lives with her talent, her kindness, and her gift for making others feel beautiful inside and out.  Diane lived a life rich in faith, family, and friendships.  Together with her husband, Doug, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God.  She always welcomed the family to “the farm” and cherished time together.  Diane’s love for the coast was unmistakable, and she spent much of the last three summers enjoying a little piece of paradise in Atlantic Beach, fondly known as “The Tin Den”.  Her smile could light up any room, and her laughter wrapped around you like a warm embrace.  Diane carried a quiet wisdom, a steady strength, and a gentle way of offering guidance, always knowing just what to say.  She fought the good fight with courage and grace, never wavering in her trust in the Lord.  We rest in the blessed assurance that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Her faith was the foundation of her life, and we rejoice knowing she is safely home in Heaven.

Diane was cherished by all who knew her, and her legacy of love, faith, and joy will continue to shine through the lives she touched.  She wore many hats with grace, a loving wife, mom, “DeeDee,” sister, aunt, cousin and friend, she poured her heart into each one.

Diane is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Douglas “Doug” Griffin; her daughters, Abby Hines Dunn and husband, Ross, and Sarah Rose Wester and husband, Adam; her stepdaughter, whom she loved as her own, Amanda Griffin Pridgen, and husband, David; her three grandchildren, who adoringly called her “DeeDee”, Tilly Joy Dunn (4), Presley Pridgen (12), and Griffin Pridgen (8); her siblings, Larry Buckner (Ruth), Sandy Bevil, Steve Midgett (Lynn), Karen Midgett; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Diane’s Life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Trey Sanderson and Harper Compton officiating.  Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers Diane has requested donations be made to UNC Health Foundation’s Cancer Survivor’s Day, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or at www.nashuncfoundation.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.