Mrs. Dianne New Quarles

Elizabeth Dianne New Quarles (“Dianne”) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She was born March 2, 1950 in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Madison and Anne New, and was the eldest of six daughters.

Dianne attended R.E. Institute in Thomaston and later graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon with a degree in Commercial Art. While in college, she met and married her husband, Fred C. Quarles, in 1971. Together they welcomed their daughter, Caroline, in 1974.

A gifted artist, Dianne loved painting, sewing, gardening, and playing the piano. She had the rare gift of making everything she touched more beautiful. She was a devoted wife and mother who always placed her family first. Her greatest joy, however, was her three grandchildren—Elizabeth, Olin Anne, and Holden Jr.—who lovingly called her “Mimi.” She delighted in sewing smocked dresses and Halloween costumes for them, rocking them, playing games, working on art projects, and being a patient listener. She also shared with them her most enduring lesson: that prayer is where one turns first—in joy, in sorrow, and in times of stress. Through them, she leaves a lasting legacy of grace and faith.

In addition to her parents, Dianne was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline New Dunlap.

She is survived by her husband, Fred C. Quarles; her daughter, Caroline Hayes (Holden); grandchildren, Elizabeth Hayes, Olin Anne Hayes, and Holden Hayes Jr.; sisters, Patricia New Turner (Steve), Nedra New Musashe (Vince), Marijo New Lucas, and Ginny New Dean; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416.