Diana Bode McAllister, passionate educator

In the embrace of her immediate family, and with a state of grace and a soul at peace, Diana Bode McAllister ascended from this earth Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Born the daughter of Harley June Bode and Elsie Belle (Rollyson) Bode, she learned kindness and compassion from her father, while her mother taught her tenacity, truthfulness and loyalty.

Her family and friends are succored in their loss by her lifelong devotion and unbounded affection.

Diana is survived by her husband James; sons Matthew (Aityson) and Nathan; granddaughters Maggie Ruth and Katherine Claire; sisters Donna (Richard) Kerns and Deloris Jean (Edward) Hendrickson; and brother David (Alison) Bode. Numerous nieces and nephews were a constant delight and each enjoyed her personal attentions.

As a passionate educator, she taught love forward, creating an environment for learning that was instilled in her childhood. Diana found tremendous reward in the balanced advancements of her students both academically and socially/emotionally. She also treasured the camaraderie of her colleagues, and was both a friend and a leader. Her quick smile, kind eyes, genuine laugh, and effusive hand gestures will long be remembered by all she encouraged, comforted, hugged, guided, or sang or danced with. She could bring a little joy every day, to anyone.

She will be interred Saturday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m., with her parents in Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, W.Va. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.