Dianna Mead

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Dianna Kay Mead, age 78 of Joplin, passed away on December 20, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. She was born on July 18, 1947, in Webb City to Howard and Helen Elliott. Her spirit was characterized by her loving nature, her creative talents, and her devotion to her family and those she was close with.

Dianna was a woman of many interests, her creative spirit shining brightly through her love for quilting, sewing, reading, and crocheting. A devout attendee of Park Plaza Christian Church since 2013, Dianna brought the same passion, commitment, and dedication that marked her professional life to her hobbies and interests. Dianna was also an avid basket weaver and antique collector.

She married her husband George Mead on May 7, 1966. They started their marriage off at their homestead in Carl Junction where they enjoyed farming and raising their two sons, Richard and James. As life went on, they elected to begin a new season of life in Dover, Delaware, where they resided for over fourteen years before returning home to Joplin.

Dianna is survived by her sons, Richard (Rachelle) Mead of Woodinville, WA and James (April) Mead of Joplin; her grandchildren Alysson (Sam) Ahern, Rick Barich, Raymond (Jazmine) Mead, and Cole Mead; bonus grandchild Luis Cepeda; her great grandchildren Maggie Ahern, Ryder Mead, Roman Mead, Raiden Mead, Rune Mead and GemmaRose Mead; and her sisters Joy Whitescarver and Jean (Gene) Christensen. She was preceded in death by her husband George Mead, and her parents, Howard and Helen Elliott.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 2pm at the Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. A funeral service will follow at 3pm with Larry Daniel of Park Plaza Christian Church officiating. Those honoring Dianna's life by serving as casket bearers will be Cole Mead, Ray Mead, Luis Lepeda, Steve Barbee, Todd Whitescarver, and Michael Whitescarver, and honorary casket bearer Katie Burkhart.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit simpsonfh.com to share photos and fond memories of Dianna. Through sharing, we can help keep her loving, creative, and supportive spirit alive.