Dinah Rose Cripps, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home on Dry Creek Thursday night June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. Her final days were comforted by the dedicated care of both her family and the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice.
Dinah was born on October 12, 1951, the youngest child of William and Nettie Hicks Cubbins, who preceded her in death. A proud graduate of DeKalb County High School, Class of 1970, she married the love of her life, Phil Cripps, in that same year. They shared 55 years of marriage, worshipping together at Dowelltown Baptist Church and later at Smithville Church of the Nazarene.
Dinah and Phil were blessed with two children, Tony and Amy. Their son Tony and his wife Cynthia gave them two grandsons, Preston and Dylan Cripps. Their daughter Amy and her husband Shane Smith added three more grandchildren to their family: Matthew, Mark, and Sarah Smith.
A beloved presence in her community, Dinah drove most recent Bus #6 for DeKalb County Schools for 36 years, where she lovingly treated each child who boarded as one of her own. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the school route, as she worked for many years as a sales associate at Jr. Foods Market and Larry’s Discount Grocery. Wherever she went, former students—now grown with children of their own—greeted her warmly, a testament to the lasting impact she made on their lives.
Dinah is remembered for her joyful spirit, sharp wit, and infectious laughter. Of all the children she lovingly helped raise, none held a more special place in her heart than her five grandchildren. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Preston’s daughter, Paisley, and Matthew and Brooke Smith’s daughters, Caroline and Nellie. True to form, Dinah and Phil affectionately gave each of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren special nicknames, which they answered to just as naturally as their given names.
Dinah was preceded in death by her brothers J.C. and Charles Cubbins, and sisters Eleaise Estes, Myrtle Taylor, and Carolyn Cubbins. She is survived by her devoted husband Phil, her children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care and kindness in recent weeks. A special thank you is given to her niece Teresa Rigsby for her ongoing support, love, and help in caring for Dinah.
Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, June 29, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Shane Smith and Michael Hale officiating and burial will follow in Mt. Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 2 PM until 8 PM and Sunday 10:AM until the time of the service at 2 PM.
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Cripps family.