Dorothy DiAnn Simonds

DiAnn Simonds - never Dorothy (and she made sure everyone knew it) - passed peacefully from this life, leaving behind love, laughter, and a personality big enough to fill any room.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, two brothers, her pampered Pomeranian - Fancy Fox, and the love of her life, her funny and forever-devoted husband, Lonnie Simonds.

DiAnn (also known as "Sister") is survived by her "Sister Sister" Joan Dumas (James), her "Sister Sister Sister" Mollie Morris (Ray), her sister-in-law Alice Brenda Simonds, her daughter Lori Simonds Anderson, her son Christopher Simonds (Michelle), seven grandchildren (and their significant others), six great-grandchildren, a large host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends, and her two treasured cats - Callie and Merlin (whom she spoiled as if they were her children).

DiAnn lived life with strong opinions, a tender heart, and unwavering loyalty to the things she loved. She loved her Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs through thick and thin. If they were playing, she was watching, cheering, or fussing (and sometimes all three at once).

She enjoyed her $1 Georgia Jumbo Bucks, loved "Dixie" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" no matter the performer, and pampering her cats right up to the very end.

Her discovery of Amazon brought her daily joy (though whether she loved online shopping more or seeing Jean, her wonderful postal carrier, EVERY day is still up for debate).

DiAnn adored her beauty stylist, Shannon, and made it clear she wasn't going anywhere until she got her properly "gussied up" for Lonnie.

Sundays were for riding the bus to and from church and then watching online church as soon as she got home.

She loved to watch the Game Show Channel and enjoyed "Waffle Wednesday" at Waffle King (where she never ordered a waffle).

DiAnn will be remembered for her humor, her sassiness, her loyalty, and her faith. The world will feel a little quieter without her spark, her stories, and her stubborn southern charm.

May she rest peacefully, reunited with Lonnie and Fancy, and forever cheering on her Braves and Bulldogs from the best seat in the house.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 20th at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Murphy. Family will receive friends at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, DiAnn would appreciate your support of local musicians or her favorite nonprofit organization, Western Carolina Pacesetters.