The Equality Herald

*The Equality Herald - East Tennessee's source for LGBT community news*


HOME NEWS Knoxville Chattanooga Tri-Cities Statewide Regional National International WEATHER Forecasts Environment VIEWS Opinions and Editorials Commentary FEATURES In-Depth Our Lives Lee Lynch's Amazon Trail Entertainment Books and Flicks PHOTOS LETTERS Knoxville Chattanooga Tri-Cities Points In Between SPIRITUALITY OBITUARIES- MEMORIALS CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING LINKS ABOUT US CONTACT	Tribute to Dianne Draper Sign Dianne's Memorial Guestbook Tribute to Dianne Draper by Beth Maples-Bays Equality Herald - Editor and Publisher She remembered all of the words to Meg Christian tunes. She was upbeat and positive even when her heart ached with longing. She was there for many of us in our times of need or rejoicing. She was a dedicated church member who loved Pam and June. She was a Gyrlgroove team member who could be counted on to pull her weight. She was a community elder with roots in Knoxville that go ‘way back. She came to us from Texas, and we were richer for it. She was a tender caregiver to her elderly Aunt Helen. She was a gracious and welcoming hostess who made guests feel “at home.” She was a loyal participant in community-wide activities. She was Dianne Draper. Her 63 years on the earth ending in 2006 were far too short. Her positive energy and mischievous humor made many an eye twinkle with mirth. She always looked forward, trying hard to shed hurts and anger. She was almost always successful, but she was also human. Her place in our community can never be filled. Dianne was a wonderful person who gave love with open arms to those around her. She understood what it meant to truly be a woman-loving-woman, and she did so with a generosity of spirit that never narrowed the path before her. I will remember her as a hard-working woman who gave her all. Her body may have broken, but never her spirit. She and I were sisters in many ways. We shared a love of the women’s community that many young women don’t seem to have today. We come from a generation who broke down the closet doors so that those who come after might have it a bit easier. I know she wanted that. We didn’t see eye-to-eye on religious issues, but that never dampened the spirit of friendship between us. She loved her Father, and I loved my Mother, and that’s just the way it was with us. We agreed to respect the other’s spiritual path. She did so in a way that is truly rare. Not many Christians can get along with this grumpy old Dianic pagan, but Dianne could. She made me feel accepted just for who I am. That is a rare gift. I am grateful to have had time to get to know Dianne. I wish I could have known her longer, deeper, but we had some special times. I will always treasure them. If you would like to sign Dianne's guestbook, click on the graphic below. If you would like to post a memorial to Dianne Draper, contact the Equality Herald at publisher (at) equalityherald.com.	Register for Equality Herald email updates

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