Diane Swain

Diane Scott Swain, 78, passed away peacefully at Lynchburg General Hospital on September 28, 2024.

Diane was born on July 13, 1946 in New Jersey, but relocated to Lynchburg, VA at an early age. She was raised on Chambersville Street where she and the Scott family attended Wingfield Baptist Church. Diane was raised by her loving grandparents William and Lottie Scott, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams of becoming an educator. Diane knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher, and she wanted to make a difference for generations to come. After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1964, Diane furthered her education at Hampton University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. There she became a proud member of The Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Soon after graduating from Hampton University, she gained employment with Lynchburg City Schools as a kindergarten teacher. Diane then went on to earn a Master’s of Education at Lynchburg College in 1977. Diane served as the active principal for Sheffield Elementary School for 26 years. Throughout her tenure at Sheffield Elementary School, Diane developed many lifelong friendships with her associates. When Diane retired in 2015, she devoted 46 years of her life to educating, guiding, and making an impact on many children’s lives throughout Lynchburg City Schools. Diane not only made an impact in education, she was a pillar in the community. Her strong leadership role made a positive impact on countless others. Diane served as the President for The Lynchburg Chapter of Links, Inc., working in the community to promote educational success and providing civic resources to help enrich the African American culture. Diane made many lifelong bonds over her career. Even after her retirement Diane enjoyed meeting with her former staff and friends for lunch or dinner every month.

Diane had a love for traveling and throughout her life she traveled to many different places including Paris, Rome, and Pisa. She also loved taking cruises with her family and enjoyed visiting various Caribbean Islands. One place in particular, Diane held very close to heart. She never lost her love for the Hampton Roads area after graduating from Hampton University. In fact, she looked forward to attending the Hampton Jazz Festival every year and wearing her best outfit. Diane will always be remembered for her gracefulness and classiness. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Diane leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Sean Swain, from her former marriage to Raymond Lewis “Rico” Swain Jr., sister Thomasine Butler (Russell), beloved cousins Frederick, Dwayne, Roy, and Cheryl Scott, Karen Johnson, Brenda Ingram, Patriarchal cousin Clarence Edgar Morris, best friend Linda Barnett (Ray), former sister in law and Dear friend Dorothy Swain, special friend John Terry, and a host of other family members and friends who loved her.

She is predeceased by her mother, Letha Noble, grandfather, William Scott Sr., grandmother, Lottie Scott, and Raymond Lewis “Rico” Swain Jr.

 A memorial service in honor of Diane Swain will be held at Heritage Baptist Church, in Lynchburg, VA, on November 9th, 2024, at 1P.M. . The family will be receiving friends for a visitation at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, on Friday, November 8th, 2024 from 6 P.M. – 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Jubilee Family Center www.jubileefamily.org or 1512 Florida Ave Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.