Diannah Rhea Bruch

With heavy hearts we mourn the death of Diannah Rhea Bruch, who passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 20th, 2024 at the age of 78, surrounded by loving family.

Diannah was born June 5th, 1946 in Memphis, TN. She was predeceased by her parents Lester Henry Bruch Jr. and Janie Rhea Bruch. Her family moved to Tallahassee when she was 12, where she attended Florida High and graduated from Leon High. A life-long learner, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from USF-St. Pete in her late 50’s. She is survived by her oldest son William Curtis Dawkins III (Curt) and wife Carla, son Cary Bruch Dawkins and wife Tracy , her sister Deborah G. Bruch Deason and husband Harold, sister Delilah B. Bruch, brother Lester Henry Bruch Jr. (Hank) and wife Trish, grandchildren Michael Scott Dawkins, Olivia Jordan Fry, Brittney Bruch Dawkins, Brandon Scott Dawkins and wife Cassidy, Cade Strickland and great-grandchildren Dylan Michael Dawkins, Noah James Dawkins, Liam Thomas Dawkins, Hailey Rhea Darnell, Learah Ann Grace Finch, Lyrick Michael Finch, Layten Jace Finch, Asher Zane Finch, and River Scott Dawkins, her nieces DeVon, DeLaina, DeChelle, DeGreta, Rachel and nephew Shannon.

Diannah worked as a secretary for the State of Florida in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She then worked as a legal secretary in private practice , and attained certification with the National Legal Assistants Association. She was an invaluable member to the firms where she worked, all while raising her two sons. She embodied living with a sense of purpose and responsibility and was a doer in every sense. Her work years were bookended with acts of public service starting early as candy striper at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and after earning her degree from USF, working for several small non-profit organizations as a social worker. She retired in 2005. She then worked as a caregiver for several families. She was a compassionate, caring advocate for others. A true lover of nature, she enjoyed the beach, gardening, and the hummingbirds she always kept fed. The St. Marks Wildlife Refuge was a favorite spot for a day away. Equally important was her love of beautiful music which was fostered at an early age by her parents. She was always up for a road trip, especially if it included thrifting along the way. After retirement, she enjoyed watercolor painting, photography and writing. Her final creative joy was publishing her children’s book, “My Garden and it’s Friends”, which she dedicated to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After moving to Bainbridge to be with family, she made wonderful friends in the arts community, as a member of Connection Church and playing canasta with her regular group. More than anything, she loved being with her family. She and her beautiful, radiant smile will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

The family will be receiving guests for a Celebration of Diannah’s Life at Cox Funeral Home in Bainbridge on Saturday January 18th from 1pm-2pm. Her memorial service will begin at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Ken Davidson officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Samaritan’s Purse International Relief. The family would like to thank Archbold Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

On-line condolences may be sent at www.Coxiveyfuneralhome.com. Cox-Ivey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.