In Loving Memory of Dianne Hill
September 3, 1941 – July 11, 2025
Dianne Hill passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 83 years old.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 3, 1941, to Maggie Mae Varner Bivens and Donald Howard Bivens, Dianne was just nine years old when her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia—a city that would come to shape much of her bold and vibrant spirit. From an early age, Alicia embraced life with contagious enthusiasm. In the 1950s, she could be found drag racing hot rods near South Fulton High School, her laughter echoing across the pavement. A proud fan of The Varsity, she loved nothing more than a hamburger, onion rings, fries, and a cold Coke with friends and family.
Dianne was the life of every party—known for throwing grand celebrations filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of balloons. Her deep love for others was evident in everything she did, from her career as a beloved tap dance teacher at Ruth Mitchell Dance in Atlanta to the countless lives she touched with her warmth, generosity, and unshakable kindness.
Dianne is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, William Clarence Hill of Ball Ground, Georgia; her children, Candace "Candy" Isin (Scott McGahee) of Ball Ground, Daniel Lee Cherkas (Lorrie) of Minnesota, and Stephen Thomas Cherkas (Susan) of Washington, D.C.; her sister, Kim Celeste Gray of Ball Ground, Georgia; her five grandchildren, Nicholas Ainsley, Jessica Smith, Miranda Sherrill, Austin Cherkas, and Sean Cherkas; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who cherished her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Donald Howard Bivens.
A celebration of Dianne's remarkable life will be held at 10:030AM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home, with interment to follow at 1:00 PM in the Georgia National Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the hour of service.
Dianne's joy for life, her fierce love of family, and her unforgettable energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was truly one of a kind—and she will be deeply missed.
The Funeral Service will be live-streamed at:
https://vimeo.com/event/5257503