Diane Arlene (Gillis) Scurlock's Obituary
Diane Arlene (Gillis) Scurlock, 63, passed away on June 10, 2021, in Austin, Texas, after a long battle with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Valley Ranch Baptist Church – 1501 E. Beltline Road, Coppell, TX 75019.
Diane was born on October 7, 1957, to Mary and Jim Gillis in Benton, Arkansas. Over her lifetime, she lived in San Francisco, St. Louis, Dallas, and Austin. She earned a BFA in Communication Design from The University of North Texas and a Graduate Marketing Certificate from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. She had a successful career of over 25 years at the Dallas Morning News where she was the Creative Marketing Director. After her career at the Dallas Morning News, she continued to work in marketing and business development until her diagnosis. In 1991, Diane was blessed with her daughter, Claire Elise. Claire was the greatest joy of Diane’s life and their bond was like no other, they were best friends. Diane was a reflection of art and style – she curated her music, art, and shoes with a passion that lasted throughout her lifetime.
Diane is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane (Nilsen) Gillis; maternal grandparents, Arne Oliver Nilsen and Ingeborg Tobine (Ljosdal) Nilsen; and paternal grandparents, David Esco Gillis and Sammie Evelyn (Crowson) Gillis.
She is survived by her daughter, Claire Elise (Scurlock) Wu (Jonathan); siblings, Sandra Lynn (Gillis) Williamson (Mark), David Arne Gillis (Gia), and Janet Sue (Gillis) Gonzales; father, James Farris Gillis (Audrey); nieces, Tess Kelly Williamson, Elena Mary Gillis, Ava Ann Gillis, and Megan Marie Gonzales; nephews, Lucas Roy Williamson (Amanda) and Joseph James Gonzales; and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. She was also proud grandma to golden retriever pups, Fenway and Arlo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Diane Scurlock to Children’s Health in Dallas. Gifts in Diane’s memory will impact the Heart Center at Children’s, particularly the neurodevelopment program, which optimizes development of children living with heart conditions. Claire was born with a heart condition and Diane’s greatest desire was to give back to the people at Children’s who saved her daughter’s life. https://give.childrens.com/give?subsource=nav_home or mail to Children’s Medical Center Foundation - PO Box 847253 - Dallas, TX 75284-7253.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff and wonderful caregivers at Tech Ridge Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care in Austin, Texas, and specifically to Stephanie Shaw, who kept the family connected during the pandemic lockdown - her daily efforts were priceless to us all.
What’s your fondest memory of Diane?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diane?
Share a story where Diane's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diane you’ll never forget.
How did Diane make you smile?
