Aletha “Diane” (Mitchell) Abney Obit

June 03, 1951 - August 27, 2023

Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Posted by: Jo Aguirre

Aletha “Diane” Abney, age 72 of Purcell Oklahoma passed from this life Sunday August 27th.

Diane was born June 3, 1951 to Carl and Annie Mitchell of Pauls Valley. Diane spent most of her life in Pauls Valley until an employment opportunity took her family to Durham, California. Diane would graduate from Durham High School in 1969, and return to Oklahoma to stay with family.

After being back in Oklahoma for several months, a chance encounter on Main Street in Purcell would introduce her to her husband of 50 years Jerry Abney. Jerry and Diane were married in Purcell, Oklahoma and together they welcomed their only daughter Susan. Jerry and Diane were long-term residents of McClain County living both in Wayne and more recently Purcell.

She loved Arbuckle Mountain fried pies, shopping, and spending time with her grandchildren, as well as her fur baby Charley. Diane loved trying new foods and talking to her friends for hours on the phone.

Diane is proceeded in death by her father Carl James, her mother Annie Esther, her beloved husband Jerry Abney, Brothers Roger Mitchell, Larry Mitchell, sisters Carlene Claunch, Norvella Griffith, and Marquita Webb.

Diane is survived by her daughter Susan of Moore, Oklahoma and her husband Matt and Josie of the home. Her grandson Joshua Smith of Stillwater, and her grandson Nicholas Smith of Norman. Diane is also survived by her sister Shirley Griffith of Sand Springs Oklahoma, and her brother Aaron Mitchell of Wynnewood. Many more nieces, nephews and other family members.

Graveside services will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, OK at 2pm Tuesday September 5th, 2023. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Oklahoma Dementia research foundation in honor of Diane. Send online condolences at www.wilsonlittle.com