Diane Dobbs

Barbara Diane Matthews Dobbs, 75, died July 5, 2019, with her loved ones by her side. She experienced a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. Diane was welcomed into this world in Robertson County, Tenn., at the home of her maternal grandparents, surrounded by her loving parents, James Wade Matthews and Geraldine (Jerry) Adams Matthews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family moved to Chattanooga in her teenage years and following a period of adjustment, she was proud to call it home. She was a 1961 graduate of Central High School. She retired from the Hamilton County Department of Education, working as the secretary at Lookout Valley Middle School. Diane was devoted to the school and felt fortunate to have made lifelong friends with many on the staff. She enjoyed her interactions with the student body at the school. She and her devoted husband, Parks, were longtime members of Ridgedale United Methodist Church. Following the closing, they became members at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church and she joined the Joy Circle of United Methodist women. Her family was first and foremost in her life. She was an avid reader and a selfless individual will to do anything for you. She was preceded by her parents and by her husband of 54 years, William Park Dobbs Jr. She is survived by her children, Melanie Gibbs, Dauna (Bill) Higney, Moira (Will) Smith; five grandchildren, Daniel (Diane) Dobbs, Evan and Emma Clinton, Hayden and Kate Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Anna Dobbs. She is also survived by her brother, Gerald (Royce) Matthews. Her family was dear to her, as were her faithful friends, particularly in her later years. A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, East Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the East Ridge City Library.