Diane Coleman Gordon died on Feb 11, 2017 at Harbor Chase Assisted Living in Aiken after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. She was 79. The funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Anglican Church - 110 Fairfield St. in Aiken - with Rev. George Alexander presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Parish Hall following the service. Diane was born in Louisville, KY to Dr. Thomas B. and Cecil O'Sullivan Coleman, and had an older sister, Barbara, and younger brother, Thomas B. Coleman III (both deceased). As a teen, she loved to dance and was a regular performer at the Iroquois Amphitheater, where she was cast with many Hollywood stars, including Gene Barry and Marie McDonald. Diane graduated from the University of Louisville in 1958, where she received a Chemistry degree, and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. During her time in college, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Air Force ROTC. Diane was married to Kenneth R. Gordon in 1957 and during their 59 years together, she took on many challenging roles, including: housewife, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, working mother and a volunteer for various charities and nonprofit organizations. Diane received her Registry in Immunization in 1975, which led to her employment as a research assistant in the field of cancer research at Washington University Medical School and the American Red Cross. Later she was named manager of the special chemistry department at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL. After she retired, Diane and Ken spent several years camping across the country and exploring its sites. Diane's interests and curiosity were limitless and she lived life to the fullest. She worked in nursing homes, food kitchens, volunteered at animal shelters and did volunteer work for the Salvation Army. She also served as a member of the Aiken Newcomers Club, Women of Woodside, PEO, Aiken Republican Club and other social groups. Her humor was catching and she never met a challenge she wouldn't take on. For a petite person, she made a big impression on her many friends. Diane is survived by her husband, Kenneth R. Gordon; a daughter, Lynne M. Gordon; and a son, K. Robert Gordon. She is also survived by two nephews, Brian Coleman and Victor Coleman. The family wishes to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the caregivers at Harbor Chase and Tidewater Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.