Diane Lee Howell Jones, 79, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Born on December 3, 1945, in Columbia, South Carolina, Diane was the beloved daughter of the late Perry Lee Howell and Gladys Pearson Howell. A lifelong educator and artist at heart, she dedicated her career to teaching, retiring as an Art teacher from Fort Bragg Schools. Diane also shared her passion for craftsmanship through smocking classes at Fayetteville Technical Institute and Craft Frames and Things, and proudly displayed and sold her handmade smocked items at the Holiday Fair for many years.

Diane was a creative soul who found joy in painting, working puzzles, and baking treats for her family and friends. One of her most cherished traditions was the annual family vacation to Sunset Beach — a beloved gathering that spanned 43 years. Her trademark Birkenstock shoes and warm spirit were constants in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Wayne Jones and sister, Billie Kaye "Bink" Carros.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Lara Lee Bugeja and husband Tony, Ashley Eaves and husband Chris; her son, Joshua Ronald Jones; her sister, Pat Cline and husband Jan; grandchildren, Tyler Bugeja, Kindsay Bugeja-Diaz (Daniel), Emma Bugeja, Kayden Bugeja, Justin Eaves (Brenda), Corinne Eaves, and Graycen Eaves; and great-granddaughter, Sophia Eaves.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. A service will follow at 12 noon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapel.

Arrangements are being handled by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.

Online condolences may be shared at www.jerniganwarren.com.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, creativity, and the legacy of joy she leaves behind.