It is with profound sadness, yet absolute rejoicing in the promise of eternal life, that we announce Dianna Cates Zimmerman, a beloved wife, mother, Mawmaw, great-grandmother, and Aunt 90, transitioned from this life into the arms of Jesus on November 3, 2026.

Dianna carried many titles: Momma, Mawmaw, and Aunt 90. She was a loving, caring, and inspiring woman whose life was a testament to strength, perseverance, and unwavering love. She fought many battles throughout her lifetime, and her testimony was a miracle in itself. Through every challenge and hardship, she continued to show up for the people she loved. She was always present, always available, and always someone you could count on.

She was the rock of her family and the glue that held everyone together. Her love knew no limits, and she was blessed to share that love with many generations. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved and cared for. Her presence made everything feel a little more like home. Even in her final days, despite the pain she was enduring, she continued to find ways to bring joy, love, and laughter to her family. She had a remarkable ability to put the people she loved before herself, making sure they felt her love even when she was hurting. That is the kind of woman she was.

While she leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories, it is the little things that will be missed most. Her sweet back scratches, her infamous Christmas shirt, and all the special moments that made her uniquely Mawmaw will never be quite the same without her. These memories will bring smiles through the tears and remind us that a love like hers never truly leaves us.

Above all, Dianna's faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She knew where her strength came from and understood that no matter what battles she faced, she never had to face them alone. Through every hardship, every trial, and every season of uncertainty, she continued to put her trust in Jesus. Her faith never wavered, and she held tightly to the promise of His love, grace, and salvation. Jesus was her Savior, her comfort, and her hope. Today, we find peace in knowing that the same Jesus she trusted throughout her life has welcomed her home, where she is healed, whole, and rejoicing in His presence.

Dianna was reunited with the loved ones who had gone before her: Her Husband, Maynard Zimmerman; her parents, Victor and Lydia Cates; and her siblings, Richard Cates, Vickie Hagood, Victor Cates Jr. (Cookie), and her twin brother, Donald Cates.

She is survived by her daughters, April Rumple (Ronnie) and Kim Sudderth (George); her son, Doug Zimmerman (Stefanie); her grandchildren, Brooke, Megan, Cheyenne, Lauren, Kaylee, Colin, Aiden, Jackson, and Harrison; and her great-grandchildren, Lilly, Eleanor, Camden, Stetson, and Elsie Mae.

Although her family's hearts are broken by her absence, they find comfort in knowing she is no longer hurting and is once again surrounded by those she missed.

There is a special book quote that Dianna read to her grandchildren time and time again. Those words became more than just a story; they became a promise of the love she gave and the love that will forever remain. Her grandchildren and generations to come will carry these words in their hearts always:

"We'll love you forever, like you for always, as long as we're living, our Mawmaw, you'll be!"

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.