Funeral services will be held 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Officiating will be Michael Santiago, Dee’s grandson, and Elwyn Johnston. Burial will follow in Killeen Memorial Park Cemetery in Killeen.
Dee was born May 21, 1920 in Weldon, Arkansas to the late James Andrew Rhyne and Netlie Louise Ford. She was the middle of five children, three preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother Jim Rhyne in Minnesota.
Dee married the late James Johnston on June 24, 1941 and two children were born from this union – Keith David Johnston, deceased, and Karen Johnston Santiago. Dee also married the late Paul Francis Simmons on September 18, 1980. Dee professed her life to Christ at an early age. She loved serving in the Church and praising the Lord. Dee also loved traveling cross country to visit family and friends. She was the ultimate hostess, always enjoying helping others and serving 3:00 coffee. Dee loved reading her bible, praying for and with others, spending time with family, laughing and always wearing a smile on her face. She also enjoyed playing Rummikub, Scrabble, and other card games and always played to win! Dee was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, and friend, always thinking of others first. “To know her was to love her.”
Dee leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Karen; her daughter-in-law, Rakita; 6 grandchildren, John, Michael, Desiree, Keith James, Amanda, and Kelly; 12 great-grandchildren; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive visitors from 6-8pm Monday October 26, 2018 at the funeral home.
