Marie M Diamond

Marie Melissa Bracken Diamond, 91, of Milton, Florida was called home to Heaven on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Marie was born on July 8, 1930, to Norman James Bracken and Annie Mason Jernigan Bracken. She graduated from Pensacola High School, Pensacola Junior College, and the University of West Florida. She received her BA, MA, and eventually earned her Doctor of Education degree at the age of 77. Marie dedicated her life to being a wonderful wife and amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a true passion for education as she worked as a teacher in Escambia County for 30 years. Lifelong learning was important to her and was something she made sure to pass along to her children and grandchildren. Marie’s life revolved around her family and her strong Christian faith and devotion to God were unshakable. She overcame many challenges and obstacles in her life with strength, determination, and courage. She strongly believed she achieved so many great things because of God’s love and grace.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Lawrence Elbert Diamond; daughter, Marie Ardell Diamond; father, Norman James Bracken; mother, Annie Jernigan Bracken; sister, Margaret Bracken Faircloth; brother, James Mason Bracken; and granddaughter-in-law, Danielle Kristina Diamond.

She is survived by her son Joseph E. Diamond; daughter-in-law Elizabeth W. Randall; brother, John N. Bracken (Betty); sister, Francis A. King (Bo); grandsons Joseph B. Diamond, Bradly L. Diamond (Shannon), and Brian K. Diamond; granddaughter Kari Randall Arnold (Ian); and great-grandchildren Olivia, Cameron, Wyatt, Raegan, Maddux, Gavin, and Corbin.

The family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for our friends and family who have been supportive and helpful during this time. We would like to acknowledge Julia Seeley, RN, our neighbor Tony Julio, the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, and the hospice staff at Vitas Healthcare. We are truly grateful for all of your help, love, and encouragement.

Visitation for Marie will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, from 11:00am-1:00pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway 90e, Pensacola, FL 32503, followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm.