Diane Essa

Diane was born on November 2, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, and was the daughter of Alfonzo (AM) Burris and Dorothy Barwick Burris.

Growing up she loved riding horses and barrel racing and spent time at the Woodstock Youth Center.

She graduated in 1962 from Paxon High School as a member of the National Honor Society and GAA Club. Diane then began her career at Prudential Insurance Company in 1962, and retired after 35 years. After her retirement, she worked briefly for Blue Cross and Blue Shield until 2006.

Spending time with her husband, Raymond, her beloved grandchildren, relaxing with family and friends, and being at home with her pets, brought Diane the most joy.

Diane is pre-deceased by her mother, Dorothy Barwick Burris and her father, Alfonzo M. Burris, and her sister, Florrie Johnson Miceli.

Diane is survived by her husband, Raymond Essa, to whom she has been married for 24 years. She also leaves behind her two children, Tracy Penn Moran and Troy Penn (Jennifer); her five grandchildren, Kara Johnson, Connor Penn and Kaitlin Penn, and Alexander Moran and Nicholas Moran; her sister, Joann Burris Connell, and many nieces and nephews, as well as close, loving friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Mayo Hospital and the McGraw Hospice Center for their support in her final days.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, June 14th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home at 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida.

Funeral Services to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, June 15th @ 11:00 a.m. at the Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home with Dr. Winson Butler, officiating.

Burial will follow and the family invites you to stay for a reception following the services.

Flowers or donations to the Northeast Florida Hospice Center are very much appreciated.