Diana Jackson

Diana was born in Los Angeles on July 29, 1934, to Bertram Lochhead Dickson and Elizabeth Dickson (Larson). The oldest of four, Diana spent most of her childhood working on her family's small farm near Sacramento, gardening and canning fruit from the fruit trees. She worked a few jobs as a waitress, and ever the natural beauty, once managed to catch the eye of Burt Lancaster (Although she was flustered, she did successfully deliver his food).

Diana graduated from San Juan High School and married Clifford Wayne Jackson, who she met at McClellan Air Force Base. Together, they raised daughters Pamela, Rachelle and Arlene. Diana's love for her family grew even more as her family expanded over the years to include 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her love for traveling took her to several parts of the world, including Europe and Japan, but Diana always called California home. She worked for the California Department of Consumer Affairs and resided in Sacramento, where she enjoyed the vibrant music scene, everything from the jazz festival to concerts in the park to local plays and performances.

Many things gave Diana happiness. She was an avid folk dancer, a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enjoyed playing the piano, admired gardenias, had a special bond with her protective cat, Sassy, enjoyed reading and possessed a lifelong passion for learning.

But, above all else, it was family that gave Diana the greatest joy. She had a deep love of family history, and worked diligently to compile the life story of her grandfather, Joseph Heber Larson. She cherished family get-togethers and was always sad when they came to an end. She found great happiness in her family's accomplishments, and she never hesitated to share those accomplishments with a friend or neighbor.

Her sweet presence and big heart will be missed.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sisters Launa Lee Hatfield (James) and Jeanine Schafer (Bob); Brother Linton Dickson (Cindy); her daughters Pamela Jackson Peterson (Paul); Rachelle Jackson Plews (David) and Arlene Jackson Carson (Mike); her 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.