Diana (Surles) Penn

Diana Surles Penn, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, was called to her heavenly home on the 3rd of December, 2025, surrounded by the whispers of pine trees in her beloved hometown of Alabama. Born on the first day of December 1966, she blossomed under the Southern sun, bringing joy to all who knew her from her very first breath.

She was the heartbeat of the Surles family, the cherished daughter of Joseph and Essie Cooks Surles, who sowed the seeds of her strong spiritual foundation. With the walls of the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church echoing her firm commitment to Christ, Diana forged a life path guided by an unwavering devotion to her faith.

Her heart found its match in James Penn, Jr. on September 5, 1993, and together they wove a tapestry of love through thirty-two blessed years of marriage. Diana's love story continued through her six remarkable children—Jarvis Borders of Union Springs, Alabama, Michael Borders of Montgomery, Alabama, Ebony Surles of Montgomery, Alabama, Jacorey Penn, Jeremiah Penn, and Renata Penn of Union Springs, Alabama—each a living testament to their mother's kindness and guiding light. The joy of her life multiplied with the laughter of her grandchildren, Kaitlyn O’Neal, Janniya Penn, and Ja'Michael Borders, stars that shine bright in Diana's infinite sky.

Diana's journey was one of connection and lasting bonds, reveling in the precious moments with her siblings, vocalizing her care and love in their shared times of joy and sorrow. And though some beloved faces, like Joseph Surles, Jr., Johnny Lee Surles, Urijah Hiel, Robert Owens, and Joe Edward, embarked on their eternal journey ahead of her, her soul was never lonely, for she was the nexus of an extensive family of siblings: Rosie Williams of Montgomery, Alabama, Issac (Janice) Haynes of Smiths, Alabama, Sara Surles of Hollywood, Florida, Vicky Shearer of Calera, Alabama, Fannie Hough of Ocala, Florida, Ruby (James) Finney, Arthur (Gloria) Barbers, Betty (Alfonzo), George Willis Surles all if Unions Springs, Alabama and Bessie Decloutte of Locust Grove, Virginia; in-laws, and a Godson: Kelcey Jackson and Johnathan Thornton of Union Springs, Alabama who cherished her presence in their lives.

Her essence—kind, loving, and faith-filled—rippled through her community, leaving imprints in the hearts of those she touched. People like Cathy Babers and Fannie Lockhart knew the unwavering support of Diana's friendship, while her devoted niece Andrea Thompson Jones, and devoted cousin: like Veronica Howard, counted on Diana's wise counsel.

But it wasn't just in the bosom of family and friends that Diana's influence blossomed. Her energy extended to kindred spirits like Maggie Parham, Sabrina Tarver, Lashetha Graves, Lisa Miles, Cathy Smith, and Elaine Dickerson, and a special place in her heart was reserved for Mrs. Buna Hall, her treasured special mom. Their bonds were a testament to the power of community, friendship, and the support that can come from those not bound by blood but by choice and loving-kindness.

As we celebrate the life of Diana Surles Penn, let it be a reminder of the glory that one individual can contribute to this world. Her life—a symphony of love, service, and compassion—resounds in the many lives she's shaped and bettered. And while our hearts may be heavy with her loss, let us march forward, carrying the imprint of her spirit with us, as she would have wished. Diana's legacy is one of exuberant life, a narrative woven through the countless souls she has touched with her kindness. Her journey continues in the tales we share, the love we give, and the faith we hold—a whisper of her love in the rustling leaves and the joy we find in the simplest pleasures.

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