Obituary - Diane Rosso Whitehurst
It is with heartfelt remembrance that we share the passing of Diane Rosso Whitehurst, 77, of Raleigh, NC, who left this world on April 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments — a reflection of the deep bonds she nurtured throughout her life.
Diane was born on November 9, 1947, in Buffalo, NY, to Joseph Casper Rosso and Barbara Alba Rosso. She graduated in 1965 from Grainger High School in Kinston, NC and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1969. Her love of literature and language was lifelong, and she passed that passion on to her students, children, and grandchildren.
On August 23, 1969, Diane married the love of her life, James Alton “Al” Whitehurst, in Raleigh, NC. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. For 55 years, Diane and Al were inseparable — a true partnership. Al, a dedicated dentist, opened a private practice in Raleigh, where Diane worked as the front office manager. Her warm smile and gentle presence were a constant comfort to patients and staff alike. Beyond the office, they loved family beach trips to Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, Sunday dinners filled with lively conversation and Diane’s incredible home-cooked meals.
Over the years, Diane worked as an English teacher, social worker, and office manager, but her heart was always most fulfilled at home. She loved to read, cook, and play bridge with her dear friends. Her kitchen was filled with laughter and the comforting aromas of new recipes inspired by her mother’s Italian heritage. Her gifts of homemade candy delighted friends and neighbors. She had a deep appreciation for nature — always planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables, even while joking about her so-called “brown thumb.”
More than anything, Diane was proud of her role as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her beloved sons, Jason Corey Whitehurst and James Bradford Whitehurst, her devoted daughter-in-law Candice Whitehurst, and her adored grandchildren: Cameron, Jake, Brady, James, and Lila. Her nurturing spirit and boundless love will forever live on in them.
Diane is also survived by her twin sister and best friend, Donna Stokes, and her brother-in-law Parker Stokes; her sister-in-law Kay Whitehurst Nagle and her husband Bob Nagle; and many cherished nieces and nephews — Tony Rosso, Jennifer Venters, Gina Rogers, Joseph Rosso, Michael Rosso, Nicholas Rosso, Tamara Stokes, Kristen Crumpler, Ryan Stokes, and Katie Nichols — all of whom remember Diane for her generosity, warmth, and loving hugs. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph C. Rosso and Barbara A. Rosso, and her brothers Russell Rosso, Joseph Rosso, and Peter Rosso.
Diane was a faithful member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Raleigh. She lived her faith through service, often offering rides to fellow parishioners and lending a listening ear to those in need. Her kindness extended to everyone she met — whether a close friend or a stranger who simply needed a smile.
Diane also leaves behind her cherished friend and devoted caretaker, Kim Zapolski, whose companionship brought Diane peace and joy to her later years. Diane was able to remain in her home of 49 years with the love and care of Kim and Al.
A funeral Mass celebrating Diane’s life will be held at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8th at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Tom Elitz, SJ. A visitation will be held after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Diane’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Her grace, generosity, and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
