Gerlinda Dianne Young

Gerlinda Dianne Young was born August 13, 1955, in Oxford, MS to the late Fannie Mae Baskin.

Dianne, as she was affectionately called, accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R. W. Flemons where she was a member of the choir, and served on the Kitchen Committee. She remained a member until her death.

Dianne received her education from Lafayette County School District and was a proud member of LHS’s Class of 1976. After graduating, she furthered her education at Northwest Community College and obtained her Cosmetology license. In addition to cosmetology, she was also employed with Emerson Electric until the company closed its doors at the end of 2002. Afterwards, she was hired at the Chi Omega sorority house as a cook where she remained until her health began to fail.

Before her health failed, she loved going to gospel singings and eating out. Cooking was one of Dianne’s most passionate things to do.

Just like her mother, she would cook big meals and invite people over to get a plate. Her family and friends often requested her lasagna, spaghetti, chicken salad, pasta salad, and peach cobbler. Watching old shows like Perry Mason, Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, Leave it to Beaver, and Walker Texas Ranger brought her much joy. However, Family Feud and Young & the Restless were favorites. Although she loved all these things, absolutely nothing beat going to BINGO! She loved, loved, loved BINGO.

Although Dianne didn’t physically birth any children, she raised SO many – nieces, nephews, cousins, and children in the community and family was very important to her. She oftentimes boasted about her family’s accomplishments and life events. Yes, she was a proud sister, cousin, and aunt!

Dianne never met a stranger and would speak her mind. She had a genuine heart and loved her family dearly. She will forever be missed by those who loved her most.

On Monday evening, November 17, 2025, Dianne passed away peacefully at Oxford Health and Rehab.

Left to cherish her memories are her siblings, Johnny B. Young – Albany, NY, James (Betty Joe) Young – Oxford, MS, Frankie Mae (Willie) Thomas – Albany NY, Leslie Joanne Young – Sacramento, CA, LaVera Hodges, Jacqueline Corrothers, Tonya (Emund) Woods – all of Oxford, MS and Meta (Tony) Anderson – Cleveland, MS, Godchildren, Shaun Pettis & Kim Pettis-Wadley - Oxford, MS, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie Mae and U.P. Couch, Nathan Hodges, Jr.; siblings, Cora Ramsey, Stanley Hodges, John N. Hodges, Debra Hodges Wilson; cousin, Irene Cook, and niece, Sherrita Murray. 

Please keep the Young family in your prayers.