Dianne E. (Sims) Johnson of Taylorville, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born June 16, 1941, to George and Jeanette Sims in Joliet, IL, and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1959.

Dianne was united in marriage to Bruce N. Johnson on May 21, 1960, in Joliet, Illinois, and they were married for 58 years.  Together they raised three daughters in Taylorville, IL, and later, moved to Elroy, Wisconsin to the family farm to spend their retirement years together. 

They moved to Taylorville, Illinois when her husband transferred here in 1961 with Commonwealth Edison – Kincaid Station with their three young daughters. 

In 1973 Dianne worked as a hairdresser for Margaret Verardi for many years.  Dianne was a life-long learner, interested in reading and learning and was always taking a class to improve her knowledge.  She wrote a couple of books about her travels and even earned her pilot’s license.  She had a passion for genealogy and traced her family roots back four generations. 

She was a beautifully artistic and elegant lady who had many talents.  She was not only a fantastic cook, but a beautiful seamstress, writer, gardener, decorator, hostess, and she was known for setting an impeccable dinner table.   

In addition to all those talents, she had a passion for giving back and had a philanthropist’s heart.  She volunteered for VOSH (Voluntary Optometric Services to Humanity)/International to provide eyeglasses to people around the world.  Serving as the international secretary for 26 years.  Among her many travels included Guatemala, Africa, Haiti, Honduras, and Peru to name a few.  Dianne and Bruce enjoyed traveling around the world in retirement and spending time with grandchildren. 

The quote from Dianne was “the sky is the limit.”  She always valued the importance of family and she instilled in everyone that family was most important. 

Dianne is survived by her daughters, Lisa Price (William Hamell) of Taylorville, IL, and Jennifer (Jerry) Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona; her grandchildren:  Lauren (Jared) Herrmann, Ryan (Jenna) Price, Olivia and Giavanna Smith; her great-grandchildren:  Brooks Price, Aiden and Asher Herrmann; many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce N. Johnson in 2018, a daughter, Judith Ann Johnson, her parents and a brother.   

The family wishes to thank Marcy McKinnon, her faithful and kind caregiver of the last two years.  Marcie’s selfless acts of kindness and compassion are so very appreciated.  Also, the kindness of all the doctors and nurses who cared for Dianne, especially Dr. Rick DelValle of Taylorville, IL.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association can be made online to act.alz.org/site/donation or to VOSH/International at Vosh.org/donate/done-online/ or mailed to Vosh/International, 12660 Q Street, Omaha, NE   68137.  They are a 501(c)3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible.  

A Celebration of Dianne’s life will be held at Legendary Small Town Trading Company in Taylorville, IL at 4:00 p.m. August 31, 2024.