Diann S. Mendel

Diann S. Mendel, 73, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Born in Macon, Georgia, on December 16, 1952, to the late Frank H. Shave, Jr. and Jo Marsene Howard Davis, Diann was a lifelong resident of Warner Robins. A proud graduate of Warner Robins High School, she went on to study at Mercer University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. She served her country through Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base before retiring early to devote herself to raising and nurturing her family.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Diann was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Centerville, having previously worshipped at Second Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church. She found special joy in teaching Sunday school for fifteen years, sharing her love of Scripture with countless others.

Diann cherished life’s simple pleasures—cooking and baking for those she loved, reading her Bible, watching baseball, and above all, spending time with her family. Her warm heart, steady faith, and caring spirit touched everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepsiblings Patty Purvis and Alan Davis.

Diann is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Gary Mendel; her son, Dustin Mendel; and her cherished grandchildren, Connor and Colleen Mendel, all of Warner Robins. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Shave (Shirley) of Bonaire; stepbrothers, Steven Davis (Vicki) of Bonaire and Michael Davis (Sandy) of Cumming; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will continue to celebrate her life and legacy.