Diana Gayle Wortham

Diana Gayle Wortham, born on March 12, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away on June 7, 2026, at her home in Asheville, North Carolina. She was 82 years old. Diana was the daughter of the late Gus Sessions Wortham and the late Lyndall Finley Wortham. Raised in Houston, Texas, she carried with her throughout life a quiet strength and an unassuming grace that endeared her to all who knew her. Though she was by nature a private person, Diana possessed a delightful and witty sense of humor that brought warmth and laughter to those fortunate enough to share her company. Diana was a woman of great curiosity and loved to travel, exploring the world with an openness and appreciation that enriched her life immeasurably. Yet for all her journeys, she remained deeply devoted to the community she called home for many years. Asheville held a special place in her heart, and she gave of herself generously to ensure its vitality and cultural richness. A dedicated philanthropist, Diana quietly supported numerous organizations and causes throughout her lifetime. She held a particular passion for children, animals, and the arts, directing her resources and attention toward making a meaningful difference in each of these areas. The most visible testament to her widespread generosity is the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville, which bears her name in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the cultural life of the region. Her legacy of giving will continue to touch countless lives for generations to come. Diana was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Lyndall Wortham Seymour. She is survived by her son, Edward Allen Skeens; her daughters, Diana Gayle Skeens and Lyndall Wortham Skeens and husband Kevin Collier; as well as grandchildren Brett Miles Cafferty, Brandon Jonathan Smith, Spencer Skeens Smith, Nicholas Christopher Smith, Dominic Francis Smith, Noah Dalton Smith, John Forrest Booher, Piper Finley Booher, and great grandchildren, Hayden, Dimitri, and Luca Smith. Diana will lie in repose from 12:00 pm until 6:00pm for the public to pay their respects and sign a guest register on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Graveside burial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Diana's memory to a charitable organization of one's choosing. May she rest in eternal peace.

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Diana Gayle Wortham

March 12, 1944 - June 7, 2026