Dianna McDaniel Brister passed away peacefully at her home in Sevierville, Tennessee, on July 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 15, 1947, in McComb, MS, to Shelton B. and Virgie McDaniel.

She was a faithful member of Pathways Church in Sevierville and was formerly a member of South McComb Baptist Church. She was a devoted follower of Christ, as well as a loving wife, mother, aunt and friend to many.

Dianna enjoyed an early retirement from the mortgage loan and finance business to fulfill her lifelong dream of traveling with her husband, John, in their RV across the United States. They ultimately settled in their favorite place, The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She loved to travel, take cruises and was able to visit many beautiful sites and countries around the world with a tour through the Holy Land of Israel being her favorite destination. She also worked for a time at Dollywood and Creekside Campground in Pigeon Forge where she made many lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Robert J. (Bob) Wally.

Dianna is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John R. Brister, daughter, Robyn Jordan and son-in-law, Chris Jordan, sister Barbara M. Wally, brother Shelton (Shot) McDaniel and wife Peggy, nephews Robbie Wally (Rowena), Ryan Wally (Allison), and Shawn McDaniel (Betsy), and niece Lauren Cox (John), as well as many cherished great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving and devoted fur babies, Winston, Maggie and Delilah.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2025 at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS. A graveside service at Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery in Franklin County, MS immediately following. Doctor David Millican will officiate.

Pallbearers are Robbie Wally, Ryan Wally, Shawn McDaniel, John Cox, Tommy Strickland and Phil Laciura.

Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Larry Schultz, Chris Jordan, Hayden Wally, Andrew Wally, Saul Singson, Sean Wally, Shelton Wally and Cameron Cox.

The family would like to thank the staff of University of Tennessee Hospice for their amazing love, support and care that was given during her time of illness.

Memorial donations are requested to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital of Memphis, TN.

Psalm 17: 8 "Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings."