Anyone who has met Diane Gates will automatically know why she has been selected as this year’s Mardi Gras Queen.
People could easily identify her contagious smile and laugh from seeing her at her job at the Clarke County Courthouse, but she has worked at multiple places over the years.
“I worked at the Knitting Mill for 17 years,” explained Diane. “After I left the Knitting Mill, I went to the schoolhouse and worked there for eight years. That job was playing out, so when I left the school house, I came to the courthouse.”
She loves people and does what she can to serve them and share God with them. Her faith is what provides her with her optimistic and joyful attitude.
“I do a lot in my church. I’m the Sunday school teacher and was in the choir before Covid stopped it. I’m the lay speaker at our church,” proclaimed Diane. “I love family and friends. I just love people. I thank God every day for his blessings because I know that without God, I wouldn’t have what I have. My happiness isn’t because of what I have. My happiness is because of Jesus and what he did.”
She takes any opportunity she can to share God and be a witness to others, including participating in mission trips to other countries.
“I got a chance to go to Honduras on a mission trip, and I never thought that would happen,” recalled Diane. “I did it. I was scared to ride on airplanes, but I did it. God is just so good.”
She has been recognized in the past for her amazing character and received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce in recent years.
Diane also loves her family and being able to spend time with them as much as possible. She is well known for being the cheer queen when her family is participating in any sports activities.
“I’ve been married for 36 years, have two children, and I have five grandchildren,” stated Diane. “Anything my grandchildren or children are involved in is what I’m involved in. I’m into football because my son used to play, and now my grandbaby plays. I love sports and just get excited. I’m usually getting the cheer award for being the loudest at the games, and I run up and down the field cheering them on.”
Diane is sure to share more joy with those she sees at the parade, and she has the following words of advice for everyone to follow:
“Treat others the way you would have them treat you.”
The Clarke County Mardi Gras Parade and Mardi Party will be held Saturday, March 12. The events will be held in Stonewall this year. Line up will be at 11 a.m. at Jones Community College in Stonewall for the parade at 12 noon.
The parade will begin on Hwy. 513 in Stonewall at Jones College, travel north passing the Dollar General, and ending at the River of Life Church.
Immediately following the parade, there will be a Mardi Party which will consist of music, vendors, and a great celebration at the softball field and pavilion next to the Stonewall Town Hall.
Come out and support this fun event in Stonewall.
