Dianne Sims Dewitt

Dianne DeWitt (neé Sims) of Chelsea, Al left this earth on October 20th, surrounded by her family after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Born to Edward and Inez (neé Hallman) Sims on March 1, 1946 in what’s now Pinson, Alabama, she attended Hewitt-Trussville High School, where she was crowned Miss Hewitt; afterwards attending Jacksonville State University for Interior Design.  A twin, her children and her twin brother’s children were as close as her and Don during childhood.

A long-time resident of Center Point Alabama, Lufkin Texas, and Chelsea Alabama, she decorated countless homes throughout central Alabama and east Texas as an interior decorator and Home Interiors agent where she mentored many, many women to build their own businesses.  An advocate for all who suffered from MS, she was active in starting and supporting many support groups, touching the lives of those who struggled with this disease.

Married to Phillip for 51 years, they were community leaders in the towns they lived where Phillip worked and taught in accounting executive roles, and both served the congregations of St. Cyprian’s Epsicopal Church in Lufkin, Tx, and founding members of St. Catherine’s Episcopal church in Chelsea, Al.

A mother of two, she raised her children to became educators and servants, with Mandi serving as a special educator, and Marc following in his father’s footsteps teaching adults in college in as an adjunct at universities in two states.  As servants to their community, Mandi also serves as a Children’s ministry director at St. Catherine’s Episcopal church, a leader in both the state and national Girl Scouts of America; and Marc has served in several roles for his church, as well as numerous leadership boards in his profession.

Proceeded in death by father, Edward, step-father, James, mother, Inez, sisters Linda and Anette as well as brother Steve.  She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Phillip, twin brother Don sister Gena, son Marc (Colette), daughter Mandi, grandchildren Mary Margaret, Arabella, Katherine, Christian, Kara, and Zane, as well as great-grandchild Muriel Dianne.