Diane Durant Sims

Sister Diane Durant Sims was 62, and departed this life Wednesday July 21, 2021 in Marion County. She was the wife of Hezekiah Sims and the mother of Dej Sims. You may visit the family at 135 Acorn Rd. Latta SC.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Highway Christian Church of Christ 637 S. Gaillard St. Florence, SC 29506 on Tuesday July 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

~ Obituary~

“For He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Psalms 91:11-12 {an excerpt from Diane’s favorite passage of scripture.}  

Diane Durant Sims, the sixth child of the late John W. Durant and the late Betty Mae Braddy Durant, was born January 10, 1959. After winning the battle for her health, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, Diane’s spirit heard that powerful, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit say, “well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of The Lord.” And she answered, “yes, Lord.”

Diane’s early years were formed growing up in the Town of Sellers. She graduated from Marion High School Class of 1977. For over 36 Years, Diane served the residents of Marion County at The Department of Social Services (DSS) and then at The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) until her retirement in 2018. Currently, Diane served as an Acting Member of the South Carolina State Employees Association representing Marion County. For several years, she also served as a Poll Manager/Worker for the Marion County Election Commission.

For more than 37 years, Diane was married to the love of her life, Hezekiah “Ricky” Sims, Jr. This union was formed on September 10, 1983 and produced the next love of her life, their son, Dejernet – a family that she faithfully served with all her might.  

Diane began her spiritual journey as a young girl in Sellers Chapel Baptist Church. As life events happened and her hunger for the Lord grew, Diane matriculated to House of Blessings Church in Mullins under the leadership of Pastor Grayland Graham. Diane served faithfully and flourished in the Word of God. She was ordained as Deaconess at House of Blessings Church. Her faithfulness in serving continued as the Lord guided her to Christian Deliverance Center (CDC) under Pastor Donnie G. Washington. There she continued to fulfill the duties of a deacon serving as a devoted prayer warrior and sometimes the sound system technician. Her church knows her as servant.

Diane’s family says that she was a Godly woman, a church servant; she read Bible verses and sent verses of encouragement every day to family and friends. She was an encourager, a big supporter of others and was known as the “Thanksgiving Dressing Queen.” She had a warm, friendly smile, loved to travel and sit on her deck reading her Bible while listening to her favorite artist, CeCe Winans. Diane lived by these mantras:

“There is enough salt.”

“Do your very best and pray.”

“Know that you know who you are and whose you are.”

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters: Annie Ray Durant Brock and Gladys Scott; 1 brother: Steven Durant; Father-in law & Mother-in-law: Hezekiah and Gertrude Sims, Sr.; and 1 sister-in-law: Teacher Ruth Alexander.

Diane leaves to cherish fond memories of her: her loving and devoted husband, Hezekiah; one (1) son & daughter-in-love: Dejernet (Sierra) Sims, VA; six (6) siblings: Betty Lee (Lamar, Sr.) Evans, Marion, SC; John “Boo-T” (April) Durant and Jerome “Nunny” (Mary) Durant, both of Indianapolis, IN; Gertie “Judy” Durant, Mullins, SC; Vivian Durant and Maggie L. Durant, both of Sellers, SC; five (5) brother-in-laws: Bishop Marsden Alexander, Florence, SC; Johnny (Lisa) Sims, Latta, SC; Gregory Sims, Latta, SC; Terry (Leverne) Sims, Latta, SC; Randy (Wanda) Sims, Latta, SC; two (2) sister-in-laws : Tammy Sims, Florence, SC and Theresa S. Durant, Marion, SC; Two uncles: Wesley “Peter Rabbit” (Jean) Alexander and David “Cheetah” Sims; Three aunts: Jessie Mae Fleming, Addie Ruth Fleming and Alberta Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, the Town of Sellers and Marion County at large.

The family of Sister Diane Durant Sims in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 100 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Sims family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Durant Sims, please visit our floral store.