Diane Sadler was born and raised in Livingston TN to the late Honorable John F Sadler, and Mary Sadler.
From an early age Faith, Family and education were the backbone of a strong, focused, and nurturing up bringing. Mrs. Mary Sadler having 8 children, emphasized the importance of continuing education and this led to all 8 children (after all of them being proud alumnus of Livingston Academy) receiving college degrees. 6 of the 8 followed in Mrs. Mary's footsteps becoming educators, including Dr Sadler. Dr Sadler's accomplishments in scholastic achievement, community service, educating our youth and helping others, simply put are incredible. Her educational accolades are as follows:
· A 1970 graduate of Livingston Academy
· A MS Degree from Tennessee Tech
· A MA Degree from Tennessee Tech
· An EDS Degree from Tennessee Tech
· A Doctorate Degree from the University of Tennessee
This impressive educational background was placed into action with the Overton County School System. She worked within the system her entire 40 year career in many different roles, beginning within the classroom and the majority spent in administration. A tireless educator and unbelievable work ethic also led Dr Sadler to an Adjunct Professor Role at Tennessee Tech where she taught for over 20 years. Dr Sadler impacted countless youth both at the local and collegiate level. With a strong desire to continue her impact on the children of Overton County, upon her retirement, Dr Sadler launched a successful bid to serve on the Overton County School Board. Where she continued her unwavering support of local children.
Just like her passion for education, community service and her patriotic spirit was no different. Dr Sadlers devout Christian Faith guided her relentless philanthropic attitude. While certainly not braggadocious and often cloaked in anonymity Dr Sadler was a consummate giver. A couple of her favorite charities were The Mustard Seed Ranch, St Jude and Military Inspired Donations. Her home was often the host to showers, gatherings, or a simple cup of coffee where all felt welcome. She was a member of:
· Livingston Rotary Club
· Livingston Downtown Revitalization Committee
· Delta Kappa Gamma
· Daughters of the Revolution
· Tenn Tech Alumni Association
· University of TN Alumni Association
As stated, her community service was rooted in a strong Christian Faith that was unapologetically always on display. She was a member of the Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville and a former Member of the Livingston Church of Christ. In writing this Biography, Dr Sadler would have argued this should have been the first thing mentioned. She would say all accomplishments, achievements, accolades of this life are secondary to that of the next. She lived a life with this always top of mind. Faith, honesty, integrity, grace and the willingness to forgive as the absolute expectation for herself and her children.
After her Faith, Dr Sadler would say her greatest accomplishment were her relationships with family and friends, She was ever present in the lives of her parents, her husband Bruce, 2 children, Step Son, Son in Law, Daughter in Laws, 5 grandchildren, brothers and sisters nieces and nephews and countless friends. Her love and support of all thing’s family was not only staunch but down right inspiring. She never missed a ball game, a dance recital, Drs Appointment, graduation, or even a simple book reading at a school. For Family, Friends, and the community a helping hand never had to be asked for. From Dr Sadler it was a given.
Dr Sadler's nurturing of her Children and Grand Children set the standard for the perfect Mother and Grandmother. Lessons of faith, love, life, and perspective were passed down with great purpose and will carry on for generations. Dr Sadler sadly and untimely left this earthly world in 2020. Although, She would argue not tragically and she often mentioned “this life is only for a little while”. While she is gone her spirit and legacy are timeless.
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