Diana Gray Baird

Faith, Hope, Love

Our beautiful Diana Gray Baird, 80, passed away peacefully, to be with her Heavenly Father on May 17, 2026, at home in Vinings, Georgia. Words cannot express our love for her. Diana grew up in Kingsport with proud parents, Robert and Georgia Gray and three adoring sisters.

Diana graduated from Carson Newman, University of Tennessee, and GSU Atlanta. She belonged to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, GA, and was a beloved child of God. The Bairds were big fans of Braves and Volunteers. She and Leon traveled the USA and the world, catching many sunsets. Diana was very generous and closely connected to family and friends. She always came bearing gifts and celebrated every occasion. Diana loved her music, her flowers, and ferns, even had a secret garden. Diana had a long successful varied career in education as Gwinnett County, GA administrator, principal, human resources role, director of International Faculty Program and as Evaluation Developmental Specialist. Diana performed with dignity, respect and support for teaching and learning.

Her dear husband, Leon Baird; cherished sister, Beverly McMillan and parents preceded her in death.

Surviving are her sisters, Julia Cunningham (Dana) of Kingsport, Linda Woods (Bob) of Gastonia, NC; brother-in-law, Tim McMillan; niece, Cresta Phillips (Chad) of Knoxville; nephews Robbie Woods (Tabatha) of Gastonia, NC and Matthew Woods (Ashley) of Belmont, NC; great nephews who meant so much, Will and Jacob Phillips, Caleb, Andrew, Luke, Levi, Jonathan and Ethan Woods. She is also survived by her lifelong friends, Kathy, Connie, Dana and Pat. Gary and Debi Newsome, and Beth and Steve Peterson were there for her amazingly these last two years.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Robbie Woods, her nephew officiating.