Remembering Diana Floyd: A Legacy of Love and Leadership in Aiken
Aiken, South Carolina — The community is in mourning after the loss of Diana Floyd, an extraordinary advocate for public education and a beloved figure in Aiken. Sadly, she passed away on Saturday, November 2, succumbing to complications from COVID-19 following an extended hospitalization. She was just 61 years old.
Diana’s passion for education was palpable. A native of Florence, South Carolina, she graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a nursing degree. Most of her career was dedicated to working in neonatal intensive care, showcasing her innate compassion and dedication to helping others.
Beyond her professional achievements, Diana was a fierce advocate for the local education system. Her most notable accomplishment was her significant role in the passage of the 1-cent sales tax for school construction. This initiative passed in 2014 and facilitated much-needed improvements at local schools, including Aiken High School and the Career and Technology Center, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
A True Community Leader
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce honored Diana in 2014 by naming her the Woman of the Year, a testament to her dedication and relentless efforts for the community. During a time when the proposed school construction bond was rejected in 2010, Diana didn’t back down. Instead, she took it upon herself to travel around Aiken, engaging with small groups of community members to understand their concerns. As Betty Ryberg shared, “She spent at least a year and a half listening.”
After conducting her grassroots research, Diana could address the community’s apprehensions effectively, resulting in the successful approval of the sales tax just a few years later. “That was the softest approach I’ve ever seen to winning people over,” Ryberg remarked, emphasizing Diana’s knack for respectful dialogue and understanding.
The Heart of a Mother
Her legacy doesn’t just lie in her accomplishments but also in the hearts she touched. Diana is survived by her husband, Steve Floyd, her sons Tyler and Hayne, her daughter Lexi, and one grandchild. She was described by her colleagues as not only intelligent and kind but also remarkably patient. “I never heard her say a bad word about anyone,” noted Tom Williams, her partner in Floyd & Green Jewelers for nearly 30 years, emphasizing her remarkable ability to always put others first.
Diana’s contributions extended beyond school tax initiatives. She was past president of Public Education Partners, a non-profit that focused on bridging the gap between the public school system and the private sector. She also worked on numerous initiatives aimed at supporting at-risk teens and promoting educational growth.
Creative Collaborations
Among her many projects was a mentoring program that highlighted unseen skills in students rather than simply instructing them what to do. She aimed to inspire and uplift. Additionally, she co-created the colorful “I Love You” mural on Newberry Street and was instrumental in organizing a downtown parade for graduates when COVID disrupted traditional commencement ceremonies.
In a poignant reflection, Ryberg recalled their efforts on the “Before I Die Wall,” a project inviting community members to share their aspirations. “I wish I had one sentence on it from her,” she expressed, highlighting the profound impact Diana had in fostering creative connections within Aiken.
Legacy of Love
As the community remembers Diana Floyd, they do so with heavy hearts and gratitude for her selflessness and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. “We all can be replaced, but she can’t be replicated. It’s a hard hit,” Ryberg expressed, beautifully encapsulating the void left by Diana’s passing.
In a time when the world is struggling, Diana’s spirit and dedication to nurturing the community will be remembered. The best way the folks of Aiken can honor her is to continue promoting education, compassion, and understanding in her memory.
