Peggy Diane Kerns Sims

Peggy Diane Kerns Sims, 69, went to be with the Lord on Friday August 19, 2011 at Indian Path Medical Center

Born in Erwin, Tennessee Diane lived and worked in Kingsport for over 45 years. She was a graduate of Unicoi County High School and ETSU with a BSN degree. After working as a nurse she started her family and decided she loved teaching children. Diane worked as a Pre-school teacher at Colonial Heights Baptist Church for 25 years, where she loved reading and telling stories to the children. Her passions after her family, were reading, cross stitching and knitting. Diane was very active in Colonial Heights Baptist Church and a past Honor Club President of the Optimist Club of Colonial Heights.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis C. and Peggy Beckelhimer Kerns; and a brother, Kent Kerns.

Diane is survived by her husband of 48 years, William J. "Bill" Sims of the home; son, Sam Sims and wife Tina of Greenville, SC; daughters, Christy Smith and husband Rick of Mansfield, TX; Beth Smith and husband Jerry of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Vince Sims, Terin Sims, Justin Smith, Megan Smith, Peyton Smith, Kristy Beals and husband Trent of Sheridan AR; great grandchildren, Emily and Ashton; brother, Tony Kerns and wife Debbye of Greeneville, TN; sister, April Fain and husband Charles of Unicoi TN; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. with Dr. Greg Burton and Rev. Bob McNew officiating.

The family would like to thank all those who encouraged and prayed for Diane. A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Indian Path ICU.

In lieu of flowers and food, memorial contributions may be made to Colonial Heights Baptist Church l08 Colonial Heights Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663, the Optimist Club of Colonial Heights P.O. Box 5801, Kingsport, TN 37663 or to the charity of your choice.