Diane Turner Stearns

Known as Dandy to her family and friends, she was born in Miami, FL on June 1, 1944. She started high school in Nashville, TN at Hillsboro then after the death of her father, she completed high school in Memphis, TN at White Station (’62). She later graduated from Memphis State University (’66) with a B.A. in Education. She married Fred Lindman Stearns Sr. and they were married for 52 years until his passing in 2019. She worked as a teacher, then later as a guidance counselor in elementary for 40 years. She made an indelible impression on countless kids through the years in the Memphis and Desoto County, MS school districts.

Diane was the second daughter born to Robert and Ruby Turner who both preceded her in death. Diane was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in law, Lester and Frances Stearns; sister-in-law, Jane Stearns and brother-in-laws, Harvey Wright, Larry Stearns, and Danny Stearns.

Diane is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Fred Jr.(Chip) and Michele Stearns of Little Rock, AR and Robert and Carol Stearns of Germantown, TN, her elder sister Joy Wright of Laurel, MS, and her ultimate pride, her four grandchildren, Parker Stearns, Walker Stearns, Barrett Stearns, and William Stearns.

To know Dandy was to be seen, remembered, and valued. She had an innate ability to make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Due to that, she was loved by many, whether it be family, friends, students, or even people that had just met her. She was the perfect mother/mother-in-law to Chip, Robert, Michele, and Carol. She was an all-star grandmother to her four grandsons, all who loved her dearly. She had an amazing close relationship with her sister Joy and Joy and Harvey’s children, Hal Wright, Susie Fisher, and Mindy Ricketts.

We love you Dandy. We are confident you are at peace knowing that you did an amazing job as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and grandmother.

Visitation will be Wednesday morning, July 14 at 9:30 - 11:00 AM with the funeral service immediately after at Germantown Presbyterian Church, 2363 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Germantown Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice.