Diana George

Diana S. George, 79, our dear, sweet, extraordinary wife/mother/sister/Nana/and friend passed away peacefully at home in Austin, TX, on June 16, 2024. Surrounded by her family’s adoration and love, it was their highest, sacred honor and privilege to bear witness to her transition from this life.

Born in Princeton, WV, in 1945, to Joe and Annie Simmons, Diana excelled as a student. In high school, she was voted best dancer and made varsity cheerleader. She was also fiercely protective of her younger brother and sister. Diana, on occasion, used a broom to chase off would-be bullies. Everyone knew that she could keep her siblings in hand, but anybody else had better not mess with them. When her brother attempted to crash a slumber party, Diana and the guests pummeled him with their pillows, pushing him out a ground-floor window.

In her senior year she began dating James George Jr. after he asked her to dance at a sock hop. They had one brief breakup during which Jim was so distraught that his grades at Virginia Tech plummeted and he begged her to take him back. (She did.) Upon graduation, she enrolled in nursing school in Roanoke, but left after accepting Jim’s proposal. The two were married in 1962, a union that lasted for 62 years.

The couple moved frequently in pursuit of Jim’s corporate career as an electrical engineer, first to Arizona, Florida, then Pennsylvania, and finally, Austin, TX. Diana was the consummate corporate wife. She became a gourmet cook, hostess, and housekeeper, entertaining clients from around the world. The children fondly remember the special dishes Diana would make when company was coming, especially desserts like Cherries in the Snow. She would spend many an evening with the ironing board set up in front of the television in the family room, pressing his dress shirts. No detail was too small for her best efforts.

As Jim progressed at Motorola and other employers, thanks to her incredible support, Diana traveled widely with him to many exotic locales, including Hong Kong, Hawaii, Japan, Singapore, the Caribbean, and all over Europe. She loved to explore new experiences.

Diana gave birth to three children, Juliet, Jimmy, and Chris, each one in a different state. She was the primary caregiver while Jim traveled extensively for work. Diana was an exceptional mother who taught the children how to love, achieve, play, persevere, forgive, and pursue their passions. Her commitment to the family was always clear and complete.

After the children left the nest, Diana went back to school at the University of Texas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, both with honors. She served clients at Child and Family Services in Austin, specializing in domestic violence and sexual abuse. She later developed a thriving private practice. Diana shared her therapeutic expertise and compassion with countless people in her professional and personal life.

In the mid-1980s, Diana underwent brain surgery to treat cerebral venous malformations (CVMs). It was successful, and as a result she became involved with the Angioma Alliance, a group dedicated to research and support for those dealing with CVMs. Always generous, Diana volunteered as a sponsor to individuals dealing with CVMs.

In late 2011, Diana was struck with a major stroke that affected her speech and mobility. She fought valiantly towards recovery, displaying her trademark bravery and positivity. Her indomitable spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Diana is preceded in passing by her mother and father, Annie and Joe Simmons and her in-laws Sara and James George, as well as sister-in-law Sally Vance and brother-in-law Dan Vance.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James George Jr. and their three children, Juliet Rice (Ken), Jimmy George III, and Chris George (Julie Haddon). Diana (“Nana”) adored her grandchildren: Melissa McCleery, Erin McCleery, Jackson George, Dillon George, Tyler George and her great grandchildren, Atlas and Apollonius Latham. Diana also leaves behind loving siblings Joe Simmons (Elaine) and Drema Wall (Randy). Diana is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherished her. In addition, Diana left a legacy of hope and healing to the many clients who benefited from her professional care over the course of her career. She will be deeply missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in a celebration of life in honor of Diana on August 3, 2024, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, TX. The service will begin at 11:00 am with lunch served immediately afterwards.

Diana’s family would like to thank Teri Hobbs and Magnolia Hospice for their expert and loving care of their mother and the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Diana’s name to the Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation, formerly the Angioma Alliance.