In Memory of Diana Marie Heath (November 10, 1941 – September 7, 2021)
Rev. Diana Marie Heath died on September 7, 2021, at the age of 79.
Diana was born on November 10, 1941, in North Hollywood, CA to the late George F. Heath and Mildred H. Wynn. She was raised in Dallas, TX. Although her early religious background was Southern Baptist, she began going to a Unitarian church during high school. There were many feelings that she wanted to examine regarding her rejection of orthodox Christianity. Her spiritual quest carried with it a goal of preparing for a ministry of quality, as well as determination and dedication to act in the world.
Diana received her Bachelor of Liberal Studies in 1977 from the University of Oklahoma, following which she graduated with her Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University, TX (1980). Her theological education at Methodist Seminary challenged her to examine religious roots in Protestantism and to examine her religious commitment to Unitarianism and recognize it as her chosen faith.
For twenty years, the Unitarian Church represented to her as a union of people who treated the world as a valued home. In the Southwest, Diana met numerous Unitarians who had similar background as “come-outers” from other religious groups. A deep understanding of her own religious prejudice enabled her to be more sensitive to the prejudice held by the members of the congregation. Her willingness to affirm the religious dimension of her own personal life enabled her to be more supportive of the religious quest of others. She wished to minister in the Unitarian Universalist tradition to share responsibility for a spiritual open space and to recognize connectedness with the creative source of all life.
Rev. Heath was ordained on March 23, 1980, by the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX where she served as a Life Celebration Officer (1977-1979), and as a minister (1980). In 1980, she accepted a call from the UU Church, Rockford, IL and served as an associate minister for three years. After that, she was an interim minister at the First Universalist Parish of Pasadena, CA (1985).
From 1985 to 1988, Rev. Heath ministered at the UU Society East, Manchester, CT. She was their first full-time minister. During her tenure, new people joined, and plans for expansion to the facilities and capital campaign began. After three years at the UU Society East, Manchester, she was called to St. John’s UU Church, Cincinnati, OH (1988-1994). At St. John’s, she introduced a more spiritual and coherent worship service and helped bring the congregation into stronger connection with the community at large. Also, enlarged facilities, and an upgrade to accessibility within the building occurred during her ministry. At the Orange Coast UU Church, Costa Mesa, CA (1994-1996), Rev. Heath provided excellent Adult RE programs and her monthly introduction to UUism for newcomers were a delight. Her empowering style of ministry at the First UU Church of New Orleans, LA (1997-1998) gave hope as the congregation grieved over the departure of its minister and struggled to maintain the new/old church edifice with a shrinking membership.
From 1998 to 1999, Rev. Heath served as an interim at the Bay Area UU Church, Houston, TX. She helped the congregation through a period of healing and a period of transition from being a strong fellowship to a successful mid-sized church. She prepared the congregation for a new settled minister and mentored appropriately throughout the search process. Likewise, she strengthened the life of the church and was instrumental in reviewing the church structure and policies and encouraged the church to move to a Church Council Format of operations.
Following the Bay Area UU Church, Rev. Heath was interim minister at the UU Church of Corpus Christi, TX (1999- 2000). There, she worked to improve the health of the church and its move to become a more efficient, civil, and effective body politic. During her tenure, the church became a more vital and active congregation in social and administrative ministries as well as in areas of social concerns. Thereafter, she served as an interim minister at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington Delaware; Wilmington, DE (2000- 2001) and the Oak Ridge UU Church, TN (2001-2003).
Rev. Heath retired on May 30, 2003. Following retirement, she continued her commitment to Unitarian Universalism, to the religious spiritual quest and to service through the ministry serving the following congregations: Community UU Church, Pasco, WA (2004-2005); the First UU Church, Detroit, MI (2005-2006); the UU Fellowship of Lower Bucks, Langhorne, PA (2006-2007); Denton UU Fellowship, Denton, TX (2007-2010); Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London (2010); and the UU Fellowship of Hidalgo County, San Juan, TX (2011- 2012).
Rev. Heath’s sermons brought healing and spirituality to the Sunday morning services. Her broad knowledge of congregational democracy, denominational affairs, proper corporate procedures, and financial consideration were invaluable in promoting the well-being and increased stability in the congregations she served. Strengthening a sense of partnership was a recurring theme of her interim ministry. She invited district leadership and coached the search committee to remind the congregations that they were in partnership with the UUA. She guided the congregations in addressing systemic issues and responded to congregational needs with her wisdom and sensitivity.
In addition to her parish ministry, Rev. Heath provided her services to the denomination and to the community at large. She was a part of the Connecticut Valley District UUMA as continuing education representative and worked closely with two other Hartford area (CT) UU churches. She served on district committees and undertook several writing projects for the UU World and Kairos. She was an officer of the Ohio Valley District UUMA and hosted an Ohio Valley District conference.
Diana was an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati Medical School team teaching first-year med students. She was a member of the Northern Illinois Pastoral Care Association and served as a ward chaplain at Terrell State Hospital in Terrell, TX. She also served on the program committee of the Lake Geneva Summer Assembly and was a theme speaker and frequent workshop leader on “Science and Religion” and numerous theological topics.
In her spare time, Diana enjoyed travel, cooking, and music. She loved visiting France, England, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Alaska. She was a trained French chef from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary School and taught classes for more than 20 years. She played the piano and was an opera enthusiast.
Diana is survived by her sisters: Georgia Heath Linam, Cheri Heath Fuller, and Marilyn Heath Morgan; her brother, George F. Heath Jr.; her daughters: Judith Tiller Meine, Wynne Tiller Terlizzi, Anne-Marie Niemeck Miller, Jennifer Diane Niemeck, and their spouses; her grandchildren: James Tiller, Clint Meine, Matthew Meine, Domenico Terlizzi, Elona Terlizzi, Giacomo Terlizzi, Madison Miller, Ryan Miller, William Miller, Sara Natasha Luz, and Darius Georgaras; and great granddaughter Amelia Marie Tiller.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Genesis Women’s Shelter: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dianamarieheath.
Notes of condolences can be sent to Judy Meine, 1804 Tartan Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006.