Our classmate, Missy Johns McKeithen, just notified me that our valued classmate, Diane Way Gowers, has passed away. I herewith attach Diane's obituary:
I remember Diane from elementary school to be a very nice, sweet young lady. She always had a kind word and was very well liked. The RJR Class of 1962 sends its deeperst regrets to Diane's family and prays that the good Lord bless and keep Diane for all eternity. Below is the obituary:
Diane Gower Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service - Charlotte on Oct. 9, 2026.
Diane Way Gower
October 5, 1944 – September 24, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Diane Way Gower, who died peacefully on September 24, 2026. Diane was born at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. In early life, she lived with her parents in a small apartment over Summit Pharmacy, where her father, James, was pharmacist and proprietor. Her mother, Linda, was a homemaker. After graduating from R. J. Reynolds High School 1962, Diane attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College, then UNC Greensboro, where she earned her degree.
Diane's first job after college was working at the church where she grew up, First Presbyterian in Winston-Salem. She met the love of her life, Bill Gower (originally of Nashville, TN) on a blind date, and they were married in 1971. Two years later, Bill and Diane welcomed their first born, Adam, who was followed by twins, Matthew and Meredith three years later.
The Gower family moved to Charlotte in 1981 and joined Providence United Methodist Church, where Diane was active for over 20 years, as Communion steward and baptism coordinator. She also frequently volunteered in the church nursery as she loved babies. After Matthew and Meredith started kindergarten, Diane felt God laid it on her heart to become a foster mom, which she did for more than two decades, caring for over 50 infants and young children.
Diane was known for her sharp wit and love for her family. She had the unique distinction of being closely related to three sets of fraternal twins – her own children (boy-girl) and two sets of twin grandchildren (boy-boy and girl-girl). She was a talented crafter who designed her own invitations and greeting cards. She was also skilled with needlepoint, cross-stitch, and knitting. She had a love for music, and especially enjoyed attending performances by her children. She was a fan of TV sitcoms, especially the Dick Van Dyke show, which her children remember her quoting often. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Diane is preceded in death by her husband, William Clarence Gower and her parents, Linda King Way and James Arthur Way. She is survived by her brother, Steven Way (wife Pat) and her three children William Adam Gower (wife Emily), Matthew James Gower (wife Lori) and Meredith Gower Gathman as well as seven grandchildren, Zachary James Gathman, Louis Arthur Gower, William Harper Gower, Emma Rose Gathman, Simon James Gower, Lily Clare Gathman, and Megan Renee Gathman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 7 at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring her spirit by making a donation of time or money to any organization dedicated to the betterment of children's lives.
Danny T. Ferguson
I remember Diane from elementary school to be a very nice, sweet young lady. She always had a kind word and was very well liked. The RJR Class of 1962 sends its deeperst regrets to Diane's family and prays that the good Lord bless and keep Diane for all eternity. Below is the obituary:
Diane Gower Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service - Charlotte on Oct. 9, 2026.
Diane Way Gower
October 5, 1944 – September 24, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Diane Way Gower, who died peacefully on September 24, 2026. Diane was born at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. In early life, she lived with her parents in a small apartment over Summit Pharmacy, where her father, James, was pharmacist and proprietor. Her mother, Linda, was a homemaker. After graduating from R. J. Reynolds High School 1962, Diane attended St. Andrews Presbyterian College, then UNC Greensboro, where she earned her degree.
Diane's first job after college was working at the church where she grew up, First Presbyterian in Winston-Salem. She met the love of her life, Bill Gower (originally of Nashville, TN) on a blind date, and they were married in 1971. Two years later, Bill and Diane welcomed their first born, Adam, who was followed by twins, Matthew and Meredith three years later.
The Gower family moved to Charlotte in 1981 and joined Providence United Methodist Church, where Diane was active for over 20 years, as Communion steward and baptism coordinator. She also frequently volunteered in the church nursery as she loved babies. After Matthew and Meredith started kindergarten, Diane felt God laid it on her heart to become a foster mom, which she did for more than two decades, caring for over 50 infants and young children.
Diane was known for her sharp wit and love for her family. She had the unique distinction of being closely related to three sets of fraternal twins – her own children (boy-girl) and two sets of twin grandchildren (boy-boy and girl-girl). She was a talented crafter who designed her own invitations and greeting cards. She was also skilled with needlepoint, cross-stitch, and knitting. She had a love for music, and especially enjoyed attending performances by her children. She was a fan of TV sitcoms, especially the Dick Van Dyke show, which her children remember her quoting often. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Diane is preceded in death by her husband, William Clarence Gower and her parents, Linda King Way and James Arthur Way. She is survived by her brother, Steven Way (wife Pat) and her three children William Adam Gower (wife Emily), Matthew James Gower (wife Lori) and Meredith Gower Gathman as well as seven grandchildren, Zachary James Gathman, Louis Arthur Gower, William Harper Gower, Emma Rose Gathman, Simon James Gower, Lily Clare Gathman, and Megan Renee Gathman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 7 at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring her spirit by making a donation of time or money to any organization dedicated to the betterment of children's lives.