Diane Sanderford

Diane Kenney Sanderford of Gibsonville, NC, 71, crossed over into God’s heavenly place on Friday, August 6th, 2021. She was born in Chicago on April 22, 1950. Diane passed after a tenacious battle with cancer in Burlington, NC.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Walter L. Kenney, and her son, Timmy Sanderford. She is survived by her husband David Sanderford, her two sons, Ben (Farley) and Luke Sanderford, her sister, Barbie Kenney, and her mother, Dorothy “Mormor” Kenney. She is also survived by her numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Diane was a graduate of Asheboro High School (1968), she received her bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (1972), and her master’s in special education from Elon University (2007). She worked as a social worker for over 15 years, then retired as a special education teacher at Gibsonville Elementary School in 2016. Diane also cherished her time with the Community Theatre of Greensboro including being Aunt Em in their annual production of The Wizard of Oz. Diane was a pillar of her community, and she served graciously through ministry at Friedens Lutheran Church in Gibsonville. Diane loved deeply, served others with compassion, and was always ready to offer support to others with a smile, a big hug, and showing up in meaningful ways.

She had unbounding love for her friends and family, and a vivid passion for decorating her home for every holiday each year, as well as adorning herself in various holiday outfits to spread that joyous spirit. Her faith in Christ informed her life’s choices, and she embodied the love, grace, and kindness of God with every interaction she had. Diane will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched with her laughter, fierceness, and deep empathy. Her joyous spirit will live on through all of those that were blessed to know her.

Her family is having a celebration of life this Saturday, August 14th at 2pm at the Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington. A catered gathering of friends and family will take place at Bethel Presbyterian Church, located at 300 Knox Road, McLeansville, following the service. They would like to encourage everyone to wear vibrant colors. The service will be recorded and live streamed online, and a link will be provided on the funeral home website.

*per COVID protocols: masks are encouraged, but not required at this time.*

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give may donate to the following organizations close to Diane’s heart:

Friedens Lutheran Church in Gibsonville  http://friedenslutheranchurch.org/donate/

Bethel Presbyterian Church in McLeansville. (336) 697-1387

The Community Theatre of Greensboro. https://ctgso.org/support-ctg/