Diane Kail

Diane Freeman Kail passed away on October 3, 2026. She was born on May 15, 1950, in Martin, Tennessee to James Ralph Freeman and Joyce Kilgore Freeman.

Diane attended Martin High School before continuing her education at the University of Tennessee Martin, where she received her bachelor's degree in education. She then went to the University of Tennessee Nashville School of Social Work and earned her master's degree. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). It was at UT Martin, in their very first class together, that Diane met the love of her life, David Kail. The two were married on December 27, 1969, and shared 56 wonderful years of marriage until her passing.

Diane spent several years working as a clinical social worker at several hospitals before finding what became one of the greatest joys of her professional life. She dedicated 26 years to the Sumner County School System, where she served as the system social worker and later as the Child Find Coordinator. Diane found great fulfillment in helping children and families throughout her years of service.

She was a woman who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Diane loved shopping, traveling with her family, and making memories with those she loved. For 20 years, she and a group of dear friends enjoyed an annual trip to St. George Island, creating countless cherished memories together. She was a woman of Methodist faith and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha at UT Martin and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Kilgore Freeman; her father, James Ralph Freeman; her stepmother, Doris Cruce Freeman; and her stepbrother, Howard Cruce (Mary Ann).

She leaves behind her loving husband of 56 years, David Kail; her children, Courtney Kail Benjamin (William) and David Cameron Kail; and her beloved grandchild, Austin T. Kail. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her years.

Visitation for Diane will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Hendersonville Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an Alzheimer’s, kidney, or cancer foundation of your choice in Diane’s memory.