Diane Worrell, Former University Librarian, Dies at 65

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Diane Worrell

Diane Featherston Worrell died at age 65 on Tuesday, May 16, in Fayetteville. She was born on August 24, 1951, to Billie Gwendolyn Stiles Featherston and James Shoaf Featherston.

Worrell was passionate about reading and learning. She earned four university degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy in library and information studies from Texas Woman’s University. In addition to working as a legal secretary and social worker, Worrell was a librarian and archivist for 24 years.

During her time at the University of Arkansas, Worrell served as the Special Projects Librarian for Special Collections. In this position, she edited the department’s twice-yearly newsletter, The Arkansian, and the annual food journal, Arkansauce. She also wrote press releases to promote Special Collections’ projects and events. Her press release highlighting the release of the BAD Times digital project was picked up by local and national media. In addition to her promotional work, Dr. Worrell assisted in the planning of the 2012 Archives Month event, featuring journalist Ernie Dumas, and wrote the 2012 Special Collections Annual Report.

Worrell served as a judge in the regional History Fair and served on the Executive Board, the Nominating Committee, and the Publications Committee for the Society of Southwest Archivists. She also served on the University Libraries Publications Committee.

“Diane helped raise the profile of our Special Collections department,” said Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of University Libraries. “She was a hard worker and great friend who will be sorely missed.”

Moving frequently due to her father’s and husband’s careers, Worrell lived in Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi; Denton, Texas; Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana; Boone, North Carolina; Colleyville, Texas; Carbondale, Illinois; and Fayetteville.

Worrell is survived by her husband, Dan, of Fayetteville; her son, Casey, of Santa Monica; her uncle, Don Corley, of Corsicana; and cousins Jay and Mike Corley of Carrollton, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at Moore’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20. A celebration of Worrell’s life will be held at 2209 Whispering Oaks Lane in Fayetteville at 12:30 p.m. directly after the memorial service.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent to Moore’s Funeral Chapel, or a donation in Worrell’s name may be given to support Special Collections at the University of Arkansas Libraries. Please make checks payable to the University of Arkansas Foundation, noting that the gift is in memory of Diane Worrell. Donations should be mailed to 300 University House, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Donations can also be made online.