Diamond Dayhuff's Obituary
Diamond Louise Pierson Skowronski Dayhuff, age 101, of Decatur, Illinois,
passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, surrounded by family.
Diamond was born on December 13, 1924, in Sullivan, Illinois, to William
Thomas Pierson and Lucie Francis Kidwell Pierson. She lived a remarkable
life spanning more than a century, marked by deep faith in God, devotion to
family, resilience through loss, and a love that touched all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husbands, William
Skowronski and Edgar Dayhuff; her cherished children Nancy Skowronski,
Bill Skowronski, and Kathy Skowronski Grider; her siblings Thomas Pierson,
Velma Kane, Cleo Fifer, Deward Rieder, and Paul Powell; and her son-in-law Randy Harlin. Though she endured many losses, Diamond’s strength and
faith never wavered, and she remained a steady and loving presence for those
around her.
She is survived by her children Karen Skowronski Harlin of Walnut Creek,
California, Vicki Manship (Jay) of Mt. Zion, Illinois, and Son-in-law,
Kenneth/Ray Grider of Maroa, IL. Diamond was a proud grandmother to
Lyndon Harlin (Amanda) of San Diego, California; Casey Harlin (Nicole) of
Walnut Creek, California; Tina Knox (Kris) of Farmer City, Illinois; Angela
Ronk of Farmer City, Illinois; Scott Skowronski (Patty) of Glen Ellyn,
Illinois; and Michael Auton (Kim) of Decatur, Illinois. She is also survived
by 13 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren, all of
whom were a source of great joy and pride to her.
Diamond was a hardworking woman who believed deeply in faith, service,
and community. She worked for General Electric for 11 years and Mound
Middle School for another 11 years. After retiring, she continued serving
others by volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital for 27 years.
A devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Decatur, Diamond
lived her faith through action. She also volunteered with Catholic Charities,
visited friends in nursing homes, and consistently helped those in need
throughout the community. In 2010, she received the DAR award for Excellence in Community Service and a State Of Illinois Community Service Award.
Known for her joyful spirit and love of dancing, Diamond was the life of the
party and affectionately called “Lady Di.” She will be remembered for her
resilience, her deep love for God and her family, and the lasting legacy of
strength, kindness, and love she leaves behind.
Services will be held on January 17, 2026, at Graceland Fairlawn, 2091 N.
Oakland Ave., Decatur, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed
by the service at 12:00 p.m. Private interment will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt Zion United Methodist Food Pantry or New Life Pregnancy Center.
There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are
gone, the light remains. Our sweet mom will continue to shine her light, but
now she’s the brightest star in the sky—shining bright like a Diamond.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Diamond?
What’s a lesson you learned from Diamond?
Share a story where Diamond's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Diamond you’ll never forget.
How did Diamond make you smile?
