Diane Grose Justus

Martha Diane Justus, age 83, of Eden, North Carolina, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was one marked by faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel, 432 Boone Rd, Eden, NC. Burial will follow the service at 3pm at Oakdale Cemetery in Hendersonville, NC.

Diane was born on October 25, 1942, to the late Philip Homer Grose Sr. and the late James Myrtle Sansing. From an early age, she showed a gentle spirit and a giving heart—qualities that defined her throughout her life. She was known for her warmth, her compassion, and her ability to make everyone around her feel cared for and at home.

Music was one of Diane’s greatest joys. She was a talented musician who found peace and happiness playing the organ and piano. Whether she was filling a room with music or quietly playing for her own enjoyment, music was a meaningful expression of her soul. She was also a devoted Elvis Presley fan, finding joy and comfort in his songs throughout her life.

Diane had a deep love for animals and treated them as family, especially her cherished dachshund, Gracie, who brought her great comfort and companionship. Her nurturing nature extended to all living things, and her home was always a place of warmth, care, and unconditional love.

After graduating from high school, Diane married the love of her life, Robert Justus, and together they built a life rooted in love and family. She dedicated herself fully to her role as a wife, mother, caregiver, and homemaker. There was truly nothing Diane would not do for her family. She placed their needs above her own and gave endlessly of her time, energy, and heart.

Diane was a proud and loving mother, a devoted grandmother, and in recent years, a joyful great-grandmother. She found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by her family. Her smile had a way of lighting up a room, and her gentle presence brought comfort and peace to everyone she encountered. Friends and family alike will remember her as someone who was always there—ready to listen, help, and love without condition.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Justus; her son, Mark Brian Justus; her brother, Philip Homer Grose Jr.; her sister, Maggie Elizabeth Grose Swann; and her brother Ernest Grose.

Diane is survived by her daughters: Lorrie James (David) of Elon, Natalie Smith (Frank) of Winston-Salem, and Rachel Mills (Trevor) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Leah James Karrer (Ryan), Austen Gobble, Shaun Smith, Kaylie Mills, Brandon Mills (Brooke) and Raegan Mills; as well as her precious great-grandchild, Robert Karrer.

Diane’s life was a beautiful example of selfless love, quiet strength, and faith. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Diane’s memory be directed to:
Well-Spring Solutions (Memory Care Center) 5603 New Garden Village Dr. , Greensboro, NC 27410
or Guilford County Animal Services Donations, 980 Guilford College Rd., Greensboro, NC. 27409