Diane Cordell Witherspoon

Diane Cordell Witherspoon, 78, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, formerly of Somerset, Kentucky passed peacefully on November 20, 2022. She was born on December 26, 1943, in Pine Knot, Kentucky, to her loving parents George Atlee and Irene (Spencer) Cordell who proceeded her in death. Diane is also predeceased by two brothers James Lewis (Jimmy) and George Edward (Eddie) and twin sisters Anita and Alicia.

To all who knew her, Diane’s life was filled with loving her family and her many friends. During her youth she participated in 4H learning the joy of sewing, became the captain of her high school cheerleading team, and helped the many families in her community. Her calling to serve the Lord began by playing the piano for the youth choir and Sunday services.

After receiving her Masters degree in social work, Diane found ways to lovingly embrace women and children, who were underserved while working for the state of Kentucky in various capacities. As a member of the First Christian Church, she was ordained a Deacon and several years later an Elder. Her desire to serve was also fulfilled as an Executive Secretary for several churches; First Christian Church in Somerset, Kentucky, Presbyterian Church of Dover in Lexington, Kentucky and Hurstbourne, Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Diane was able to serve the community through various church outreach programs, a few that she created herself, to care for those she loved in her church and community.

Diane is survived by two daughters Laura Lee Witherspoon (Scott) Tollefson of Bristow, Virginia and Dana Elizabeth Witherspoon (Izzy Trejo) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, including three grandchildren who lovingly called her Granny Pooh; Christian Roland Tollefson of Leesburg, Virginia, Kavanaugh Roland Tollefson of Daleville, Virginia and Savannah Ashton Tollefson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her brother Alan Spencer Cordell (Ohio) and a sister Linda Cordell Morgan Griffin (Virginia).

A private service was held for the immediate family at the Sara Chapel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with prayers led by family friend Chaplain Donald Stover. A celebration of Diane’s life will take place at the First Christian Church in Somerset, Kentucky on January 14, 2023. In lieu of flowers, Diane wished for memorial donations to be given to the college scholarship fund at First Christian Church; 1115 HWY 39, Somerset, Kentucky 42503.