Birth date: Nov 4, 1946 Death date: Jun 24, 2014
Diane Marie Ramsey age 67 of Nashville, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. She was a “Free Spirit” who followed her dream. She was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Dawn. She was helpful and watchful to those around her. She Read Obituary
Diane was a special person to me. I used to visit her each week and we would chat on her bench on Demonbreun. I would look after her in the cold winters and hot summers and try to make sure she had the things she needed to survive on the street. She would not go to a shelter so I just tried to make her comfortable where she was. I lost touch with her when the new buildings went up. It warms my heart to know that there were special people there in the end to bring her comfort in her final days. She will be greatly missed by myself and the entire Nashville community. We love you Diane. EC
I used to see Diane when I would have lunch at a Music Row restaurant, and then more frequently when I began walking every day - part of my route was right up Demonbreun from Second to Vanderbilt and back. I saw and spoke to her every time, and one day decided I would introduce myself. She was warm and pleasant and friendly.
Over time, God began to use me to check on her, buy a lunch every now and then, and share some warm clothes and blankets when the weather got cold. She ALWAYS wanted to be sure I hadn't spent too much, and that I had something for myself. Christmas 2012, I packed up a massive stash of to-go boxes from my family meal in Mt. Juliet, and took them to her, sharing who had made what and how good it was. She immediately remarked that she would share her meal with so-and-so, which touched me enormously.
Since all the construction on Music Row, I haven't been there as much and haven't seen Diane in a while. A friend texted me the article from the Tennessean this morning and I knew it was my Diane; it broke my heart. What will build it up again is reading and learning how others cared for her, and how her family loved her. She is far better off
She was a classy woman with tremendous dignity and that is how I'll remember her.
For many years I used the parking lot on Demonbreun that Diane claimed as her own. I was most impressed with Diane's sweet and generous nature. In the summer, I would bring her a bottle of cold water and she would not accept it until I had assured her (again and again) that I had plenty. Concerned that rain was in the forecast, she made me promise her that I had an umbrella. She was ready to give me an extra that she had stashed somewhere. She never asked me for a single thing, and that just made me want to give her more. I never wanted to hurt her pride, so I would just casually mention that I'd be stopping by a store later and ask if I could pick anything up for her. I had to beg her to let me bring something. I'll never forget her. She mattered to me. I'm so sorry to know I won't be seeing her any more and I'm happy to learn that she had sweet people to help take care of her in the end. To her family, I have a homeless, schizophrenic brother who lives in another state. I know firsthand what it's like to wonder how your loved one is doing and the worry that you come to accept as the unanswerable question. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and your sister. Diane was loved in Nashville and surely she loved you all to the best of her ability. Tonight, may we all rest in peace, most especially Dear Diane.
Susanna D.
