Diane Nelms

Diane McGlothlin Muncy Nelms passed away on February 26th surrounded by her family. While we are deeply saddened by her loss, we can’t help but recall the heartwarming memories that she left with us. From day one, Diane decided she was going to come into this world with a best friend, her twin brother, James Dixon McGlothlin. They were born at their home in Comanche, TX, on January 1, 1935. The night was freezing, and both infants were premature. The doctor told Diane’s mother, Tressie McGlothlin, to put them both in the oven on low if she wanted to keep them alive. Just like two tiny muffins, they took to the warmth of this brand-new life experience and thrived! Diane was always resilient and optimistic, and she found this strength through her creativity and positive outlook on life. One story particularly stands out as an early reminder of her dedicated perseverance and resourcefulness. One of our fondest memories to share was when she was a young woman in Lubbock, TX. She and her mother thought it would be fun to make their own “Texas” Christmas tree and gathered up as much tumbleweed as they could find to fashion their own rendition. They stacked and bound it all together, spray painted it pink, and decorated it with ornaments and tinsel. This caught the attention of the Lubbock newspaper, and they were published! This is just one of the many stories that she loved sharing. As a pastime, she and her siblings would play music together and sing old timey bluegrass and Irish folk songs. She became skilled on nearly every instrument she touched, but piano became her favorite. Their shared love of music was a family staple at all our get togethers. She also loved reading and writing poetry and has left us with many works of art to be remembered by. While her love of creative endeavors was always on the forefront, she made sure that her passions continuously benefitted her family. Whether this was through decorating, cooking, music, or crafts, she was sure to share these passions with those she loved most. Her vibrancy could warm a room and people couldn’t get enough of her loving presence. On November 19th, 1955, at 20 years old, she married Billy Wayne Muncy, her first love. They had their first child, Terry Jones, in September 1957, and then their second child, Steven Kent Muncy, in August 1961. While raising her children, Diane decided to teach piano lessons as a career. She taught in Garland, Texas, and then again in Shreveport, LA, after she moved in 1969. It wasn’t necessary for her to work, nor did most women during that era, yet she always sought equality and independence and encouraged that behavior in her children and grandchild. Not only did she choose to work, but she was wise to always do something that brought joy into her life. Her motto seemed to be “do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” She co-owned a successful consignment shop with her sister, Joyce McGlothin, for many years, and was easily the most stylish Grandmother on the block. She also became deeply involved with her church choir through singing and playing the organ. From high school on, she was a part of a singing group named The Nine Note Nuts. They remained best friends for so many years to come. For nearly twenty years, her and Bill co-managed large retirement homes where they were dedicated to serving the elderly. This job allowed them to travel often and live adventurously while still tending to their family and community. Tragically, Steve passed away in 1988, and then Bill passed away ten years later. While this was the greatest blow life had dealt her, she still managed to tap into that endless well of love and understanding and kept moving forward acting as a beacon of light for her sister, brothers, daughter, and granddaughter. Her strength and optimism helped shape the people she was around on a regular basis. She never let a moment slip by where she didn’t communicate her appreciation and gratitude for those she loved. Life rewarded her in 2003 when she reunited with the other love her life, Arlon Nelms, an auctioneer who is also from Comanche, TX. They initially met fifty years prior when she was a young woman. He went on to live in Yuma, AZ, and start a family while she began her family too. After they reunited, they decided that they wanted to be together for life, and they agreed to move back to their hometown of Comanche. She spent the last 18 years exploring all that retired life had to offer with him. He has been her rock in so many ways, and our family is continually grateful to have him in it. She made an abundance of friends over the years, too many to list individually, but know that each one of you impacted her greatly. She is survived by her husband, Arlon Nelms, daughter, Terry Jones, and Granddaughter, Lauren Jones. She’s also survived by her two wonderful brothers, James Dixon McGlothlin and Robert Kent McGlothlin. We would like to specially thank Kay McDougal and Jerry Pyburn for being her companions on all the adventurous travels they had together. These two have been lifelong friends. We would personally like to thank Cypress Point nursing facility and Regional Hospice for their kindness, empathy, and helpfulness in her last days. Her family will be gathering for a memorial in Comanche, TX in on Saturday, March 26th – Time and place are still being determined. Please contact Arlon Nelms or Terry Jones for more details. Diane has always looked forward to taking on big adventures, and her bravery for navigating the unknown is unmatched and deeply admired. We know that this next journey is the biggest one of her life, and that she will be ecstatic to be reunited with her loved ones that she’s missed for so many years. She remains a part of all of us in our hearts and memories, and we too will see her again after we embark on our own journey after this life.