Diane Jones Bunting, 78, died March 26, 2025, with family by her side.  Diane was predeceased by her husband, Wiley C. Bunting, and her parents, J. Bela Jones and Martha M. Jones.

Diane is survived by her son, David J. Bunting of Portsmouth; her sister,  Adelia (Dee) J. Sword and her husband, the Honorable Dean W. Sword, Jr. of Portsmouth; her nephew, Michael D. Sword and his wife, Laura LoBianco Sword, of Staten Island, NY; great-niece, Devyn R. Sword of Williamsburg, VA; great-nephew, Justin M. Sword of Staten Island, NY; brother-in-law, Gary W. Bunting and his wife, Donna Bunting, of Portsmouth; her nephew, Brian W. Bunting and family of Portsmouth.

Diane was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Community Health, both from Old Dominion University.  She was a member of Churchland Baptist Church. She was a former member of the Portsmouth Service League as well as several local, state, and national nursing organizations.

Diane dedicated her professional life to the medical field and the care of others. She was a staff nurse at Duke University Hospital, a public health nurse for the Norfolk Health Department, an instructor at Norfolk General Professional School of Nursing, a nurse/consultant for the United States Public Health Service Hospital and on the clinic staff at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

A respected and accomplished leader, Diane was in charge of nursing at Advantage Home Health Care Services Inc. and an administrator for their home care facility, as well as an administrator of Medical Center Radiologists. She also proudly served as the Vice President of Nursing at Maryview Hospital and Newport News General Hospital. Diane demanded the best from herself and her nurses, fought for their interests and expected the highest level of care for their patients. Her work touched and comforted the lives of many throughout her career.

Diane was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister, family member and friend. Strength, courage and compassion were her hallmarks. She was always ready to help in any way and always with a smile. Everyone loved being with Diane because she always wanted to have fun.  She will be missed dearly.

Over the last seven and a half years, Diane battled many health issues.  In spite of those struggles, Diane continued to smile and enjoy life in a different way.  The family would like to thank Diane's caregiver, Angela (Pinkee) Taylor and the caregivers from Farmers Home Health, Pamela, Yvonne, Vicky, and Jean who gave Diane love, care, and support which allowed her to remain in the home that meant so much to her.

All at welcome at the visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 4, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth.  Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the H.E. R. Shelter online at hershelter.com  or by mail to PO Box 2187 Portsmouth, VA 23702, or to a charity of choice.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.