Ms. Dianne Vinson

Dianne Vinson entered eternal rest in the loving arms of her Savior on Monday, June 30, 2025. She was born on March 27, 1955, in Forrest City, Arkansas, the cherished daughter of Gus McGowan Sr. and Elizabeth McGowan, and granddaughter of Mrs. Hannah Reeves and the late Mr. Square Reeves. Dianne professed her faith in Christ at an early age, which served as a guiding light throughout her life. She graduated from Forrest City High School and earned her nursing degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1980. Dianne devoted her career to caring for others as a nurse at Baptist Health Systems—specializing in cardiac nursing—and later with the Visiting Nurses Agency. Her compassion, skill, and dedication touched countless lives. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and loving mother to her two sons, Darwin McGowan and Antonio Vinson, and a devoted grandmother to Dylon Carpenter, Kyla Vinson, Alyssa Vinson, Andrew Vinson, and Miya Vinson. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Araceli Marie Carpenter and Draylenn Taylor Carpenter. Dianne’s warmth, generosity, and nurturing spirit made her home a place of love and comfort for all who entered her door. An avid reader, an excellent cook, and a creative soul, she loved to travel, craft, and host family gatherings. She treasured her relationships deeply, especially with her eldest sister and dearest friend, Evelyn Hicks. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth J. McGowan; her father, Mr. Gus McGowan Sr.; her grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Reeves; and her siblings Jackie Burton, Jeffrey McGowan, Deborah Ann McGowan, Suberlyon McGowan, and Shirley Ann McGowan. Dianne leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Darwin McGowan and Antonio Vinson; her five grandchildren, Dylon Carpenter, Kyla Vinson, Alyssa Vinson, Andrew Vinson, and Miya Vinson; her two great-grandchildren, Araceli Marie Carpenter and Draylenn Taylor Carpenter; six sisters—Evelyn Hicks, Tomeka McGowan, Ivy Whitehead, Linda Oden, Sabrina Henry, and Debra Paige; four brothers—Gus McGowan Jr., John Dearman, David Henry, and Kareem McGowan; two uncles—Wilbert (Shirley) Reeves and Willard (Mary) Reeves; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Though she faced pain and challenges, Dianne’s love and strength never wavered. Now at rest and completely healed in Jesus’ arms, her legacy of kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. “Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

Ms. Dianne Vinson

March 27, 1955 - June 30, 2025