Mrs. Diane Horton Deal, 76, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury.

A funeral service is scheduled for 5:00 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026, at First Methodist Church in China Grove. Rev. Will Van Weiren will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4:45 pm Thursday at First Methodist Church.

Interment will be 10:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

Diane was born October 9, 1949 in Baltimore, MD. She was a daughter of the late Lonnie "Bud" Franklin Horton and Ola Mae Winecoff Horton. In her earlier years, she worked as a secretary at China Grove Elementary School and First Methodist Church in China Grove, where she was also a faithful member. She was an avid athletic fan of South Rowan Raiders and UNC Tar Heels and following her grandsons in their sports endeavors.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Ray Deal; and brother-in-law, Dane Barger.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Angela Chrismon (Thad) of China Grove; son, Andrew Deal (Carrie) of China Grove; five grandsons, Austin Chrismon (Victoria), Nathan Chrismon (Callie), Jackson Deal (Alyssa), Landon Deal (Chloe), Mason Deal; bonus grandchildren, Sara and Avery Locklear; one great granddaughter, Charlotte Mae; sister, Sharon Horton Barger; great aunt, Carol Winecoff; brother-in-law, Jerry Deal (Joyce); nieces and caregivers, Heather Ford (Chris), Brandi Whitaker, Sharon and Randy Basinger and Susan Jones; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be sent to First Methodist Church, 110 West Church Street, China Grove, NC 28023 or South Rowan Booster Club, 1655 Patterson Street, China Grove, NC 28023.