Diana Rose Spencer Hunter, 78, of Dickson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. A woman of grace, creativity, and deep Southern warmth, Diana lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys that made every day meaningful.
Born the daughter of the late Johnson Petway Spencer and Vera Iola Gentry Spencer Bush, Diana carried their strength, resilience, and values throughout her life.
She was known for her perfume on Saturday nights, her floral arrangements, her beloved Diet Coke, peaches and cottage cheese, handwritten thank-you notes, and the way she was always “piddling” with something—sewing, decorating, crafting, or making a house feel more like a home. A truly gifted seamstress, she could sew anything: sub-deb dresses, homecoming gowns, drapes, and countless pieces created with love and care for those she cherished.
Her home reflected her heart—crock-pot dinners, morning coffee, ferns on the porch, snow villages at Christmas, and furniture rearranged often just to bring in new energy.
She loved beach trips, Gatlinburg, Vince Gill, teapots, The Rockettes, mother-daughter Christmas teas and her Tuesday shopping. Visits at her beauty shop always meant coffee and cake with her best friends. Life with her was sprinkled with the sweetness of glass-bottle Cokes, laughter, sisters, family, and stories lovingly told and retold. She lived by simple but powerful truths:“It could be worse.”“Count your blessings.”“When in doubt, don’t.”
Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Hunter; her sister, Sandra Williams; and her brothers Mike Bush, Bobby Bush, Ricky Spencer, and Danny Spencer.
She is survived by her son, Steve Sensing (Bonnie); her daughter, Julie Sensing; her brothers Gregory Spencer and Kenny Bush (Teresa); her sister Sherry Stopher (Bob); her grandchildren, lovingly called “Nana’s Darlings”, Baker Sensing, Spencer Street (Luke), and Grant Escue; her great-grandchildren, Paisley Escue and Silas Escue; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.
Diana’s Memorial visitation will be held Sunday December 7th 2025 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson, Tennessee. Family and friends are invited to come share memories, laughter, and the love she gave so freely.
Her legacy is one of presence, kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion. She was always, always there—and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Diana’s memorial fund at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; http://events.stjude.org/dianahunter
15 Responses
Steve and Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a good one, and I always enjoyed time in her chair.
May your lovely memories bring you comfort as you mourn your loss.
What a beautiful tribute! Praying for the family and friends!
What a blessing it was to have known Diana. She was always talking about her children. She was so proud of them and she delighted in her grandchildren. She was a special person and will be missed by many. Sending my condolences to her family and friends.
sending prayers for the loss. She loved her family very much and time with her you always knew this most. Will pray over you in the days ahead.
Sending love, as well as healing thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
John and Daiana Diez
We had so many great memories in school, I will forever cherish. After that we remained friends and laughter was always a part of that. Rest in peace, you will always be in my heart.
Steve, Bonnie, Julie, and family –
I’m so sad to hear of Ms Diana’s passing. She was always so kind and sweet to me, and all of my family. She always took that extra care, especially with my grandmother, “DeeDee”, as she got older and would walk down to her shop from her house…I think she would watch to make sure she didn’t fall in the yards between their houses. I’ll always remember her kindness then, and also when we were in school – she was one of “those” Moms, who welcomed us all in, and made us feel at home. Prayers of comfort for you all.
Wendy Tidwell
Such a wonderful person she was and so was, my Class of ‘66 friend since first grade through Austin Peay, Johnny Hunter.
So many memories over all of those years. We will miss you both.
I cannot believe my cousin is gone before I ever really got to know her . Her Daddy Uncle Petway was my Daddy’s , William Wesley ( Billy ) Spencer’s younger brother ! I never got to grow up with my Spencer family relatives , but grew to know many of them as adults ! I love my Daddy’s relatives with my whole heart ! My sincere love and condolences are offered to her children and Grandchildren and her remaining siblings .. I know Julie from her high school days with my son ! I just shared too much for some ,but I feel the loss of a cousin I would have loved to have known better 🙏🏻💓🫶🏼 I am so very sorry for her entire family 😇😢
Steve, Julie, and your extended families – thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your mother and celebrate her life.
Steve, Julie, and extended families – Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your mother and celebrate her life.
Wendy and I are so sorry for y’all’s loss. Prayers for the greatest memories that will always stay with you.
What an absolutely beautiful obituary that mirrors her beautiful life.
Sending love,
Mary and Jim Simmons
Julie, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Her obituary was truly a beautiful tribute about your beautiful mom. I pray for your comfort and peace . Prayers and love for you. Cindy Petty
Steve and Julie, your mother was a beautiful person inside and out! Praying for you and your sweet families! Call on me I will help you in any way!