Reverend Dianne Hummel Sweckard

Reverend Dianne Hummel Sweckard, 81, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.  The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Harts’s Mortuary on Cherry Street. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Forest Hills Church, with the Reverend Baxter Hurley officiating.   Interment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery (NorthGate), with the Reverend Teresa Edwards officiating.

Dianne was the daughter of the late Albert Bernard and Lillian Malone Hummel, of Macon.  She is predeceased by her parents; her maternal grandparents, Edward L. and Myrtle E. Malone; paternal grandparents, Albert N. and Callie I. Hummel; and her husband, Stephen Carl Sweckard, all of Macon.

Dianne will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Karleen Reynolds (York), of Snellville, Georgia, Marla Weaver (Ron), of Bethlehem, Georgia, and Tara Sweckard Field (Ed Field, IV), of Aspen, Colorado; stepdaughter, Amy Roberts of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren: Callie Reynolds Whigham (Jared), Christian Reynolds (Haley), Mallory Weaver, and Ridley Weaver; and brother, Albert B. “Buster” Hummel.

Dianne had a wonderful childhood filled with spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, dancing tap and ballet, and most importantly, learning about her Savior, Jesus Christ, at Houston Avenue Christian Church, where she was a very active member from her early childhood until she left Macon.  Dianne graduated in the first class of the Margaret McEvoy High School for Girls in Macon in 1959.  She attended the University of Georgia and was the first woman to receive a Bachelor of Religion from UGA in 1963.  Knowing that God had called her to the ministry, Dianne attended the Lexington Theological Seminary in  Lexington, Kentucky, and received her Master of Religious Education in 1965.

Throughout her career in ministry, Dianne served her Lord and loved on his people in many ways and in many roles.  She held many hats in each of the positions she held, always keenly focused on sharing God’s love with each and every person she met.  Dianne initially served her Lord as the Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Georgia.  After several years, Dianne left that role for an opportunity at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, where she spent the majority of her career. While at FHUMC, Dianne held several roles, all focused on Christian Education, working with children, families, and adults.  Dianne also spent a few years on the staff of the St. Mark United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL, where she was Minister of Education.  Ultimately, Dianne retired from Christian ministry from Forrest Hills UMC after 40+ years in the ministry.

In addition to being a dedicated minister, Dianne was also a dedicated wife and mother.  She excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of her family, through and through. She was an excellent gift giver, always knew the right thing to say, never missing a special date, and picking the best ways to celebrate the members of her family, whom she loved so much.  Dianne was her family’s constant advisor, supporter, and cheerleader.  Her love for her Lord and Savior and her family was eclipsed only by her love for the Bulldogs and the Braves.  Dianne was the ultimate host for gatherings with family and friends.  She loved playing games, reminiscing about old times, and talking with friends and family near and far.

While her family grieves her loss, they choose to remember Dianne in a way that honors her spirit and her love for the Lord.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.