Diane Higginbotham Schroer

Diane Higginbotham Schroer, of Valdosta, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord on November 30th, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 7th, 1941 to the late Marshall and Nell Higginbotham in Elberton, Georgia, she moved to Valdosta while in the 2nd grade. She graduated from Valdosta High School in 1959, where she was a member of "Tri-Hi-Y," a group which stood for Christian character and helping those in need. She was also a "Wildcat" cheerleader and was voted "Prettiest" in her class in her senior year. While attending Valdosta State College, she won several awards, including "Miss Valdosta State College Calendar Girl of 1960." In 1960, she was also runner-up in Glamour Magazine's "10 Best Dressed College Girls in America," finishing a close second to renowned Martha Stewart.

On March 18th, 1961, she married her life's love, Walter Frank Schroer Jr., and the couple raised their three children in Valdosta. Though her career path took several roads, she always saw herself as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister. Her beaming smile welcomed every stranger as a new friend.

As an entrepreneur, she co-founded and served as president of First Impressions Gourmet Foods from 1992 - 2003. She had a keen eye and love for interior design; her home and children's homes have her signature touches.

She was a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, where she served as secretary.

Diane is survived by her husband, Walter F. Schroer, Jr., of Valdosta; her daughter, Kelly S. Kelly, of Newport, RI; her son and daughter-in-law, Chip and Kathryn Schroer, of Valdosta; her daughter and son-in-law, Heidi S. and Gary Cox, of Lake Park, GA; her grandchildren, Carter and Ty Harwell, Keip Coggins and Fiancée Cora Jones, Camille Schroer, Mary Madeline Kelly, Brinson Coggins, Mary Elizabeth Schroer, William Kelly, Jr., and Catherine Schroer; her great grandchildren, Jackson Harwell, and Saylor Schroer; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jennifer and Jim Connelly, of Valdosta, Marsha and Charlie Allison, of Charlotte, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law William (Bill) Kelly.

A funeral service for Diane will be held at 2pm on Sunday, December 6, 2020 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. David Tart officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Boys and Girls Club, Park Avenue United Methodist Church, or American Cancer Society Ovarian Cancer Research. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.

**Visitation Time Changed Due to Valdosta Christmas Parade. Enter Thru Back Entrance of Park Avenue United Methodist Church