Dinah Hyman Waterman

Dinah Hyman Waterman was a child of life born on April 7, 1935. Her gifts to the world are reflected in the thousands of artworks produced and appreciated during her lifetime. From cartoon elves to pastel portraits, to shop spray-painted murals, her creativity seemed effortless. Her illustrations reflected her terrific imagination, faith and hope over so many years. In her youth she was encouraged to foster her talents following in the footsteps of her writer brother and actress sister. She found her passion in the visual arts, drawing and painting. She attended the University of Georgia and received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Her creations were always appreciated as she moved into teaching and delighted kindergartners and elementary-aged children for almost twenty years. Of course, she would say her most cherished role in life was that of mother to Mitzi Kate and Rachel, born in 1968 & 70. Her greatest joy was the indulgence of their every whim and activity as young children. After Rachel’s passing in 1991, her artwork continued to sustain her and she discovered newfound joy in her grandboys; Marcus (born in September of that year), Aden (1995), and Pax (2006). In her retirement years, she reveled in family and friends. She attended orchestra concerts and string instrument recitals year after year. She helped raise Pax as an infant and then tutored him in art lessons from the age of three. She hand-drew hundreds of Christmas & holidays cards for neighbors and kept in touch with friends and family many states away. Her artworks were displayed in local exhibitions, and she illustrated a published children’s storybook at the request of longtime friends. The subjects of her art, as well as mediums, were dynamic and varied. She was a master of pastels on velour, and thrilled at doing portraits for friends and family for years, but there are also examples of landscapes, childrens’ illustrations, watercolors and oils a plenty. Her ability to imagine, dream and create carried her through life. Dinah was also a tremendous animal lover, and for cats and kitties especially. She adored her last two Lovey and Dearie, drew them and, in her later years, envisioned them everywhere! Dinah passed on July 21, 2024 and was preceded in death by her daughter, Rachel Waterman; her brother, Mac Hyman; her sister, Mitzi Hyman; and her parents, Thomas V. & Florence K. H. Hyman. She is survived by her daughter, Mitzi Kate Plumlee; and grandsons Marcus M., Aden C. & Pax A. Plumlee.