EXPRESSIONS FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS
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Diane E Graham, was born in Richmond, Virginia on July 27th 1954, to Thelma and David King Jackson. “Lady Di” as she was affectionately known, was the oldest of four. In part, she leaves to cherish her memoryherbelovedbrothers:IrvingJackson(Diane),CalvinJackson,
Andre Jackson (Olivia). As a child, Diane had dreams of becoming a published writer. She was an avid reader and enjoyed composing poetry. She also loved music and some of her favorite artist were The Temprees, The Delfonics, The Stylistics and most recently, Bruno Mars. Though her dream of becoming a published writer was never fulfilled, Diane has written over 5,000 poems to date. Diane, never one to shy away from hard work, has held various positions throughout the city; namely, Phillip Morris, Sovereign Bank (Mortgage), The Social Security Administration, ER Carpenter,Greyhound,Crawley’sRestHomeandlastlyJeffersonDavisFleaMarket.Dianealsohad aloveforfashionandmodeledforbothJordacheandVirginiaSlims.
Diane was educated in the Richmond Public School system. She attended Maymont Elementary, Randolph Middle School and was a proud alumni of Maggie L Walker class of 72. She also went on to complete 2 years of undergraduate studies. Diane’s favorite subject was English and Reading. She saidthatshewoulduseherloveofreadingtohelpexpandhervocabularywhichwouldinadvertently improve her poetry and other writings. Even after high school she remained committed to writing andusedhergiftasawaytoshowherlovetofamily,friendsandevencompletestrangers.
Diane met the love of her life on a warm summer day in 1970. According to Bubba, he didn’t meet Diane, Diane met him! He spoke on how mesmerized Diane was after noticing his winnings and the diamonds on his fingers. However, Diane remembered that day differently. According to her, she happened upon a group of young men shooting dice. She accidentally walked directly between the group of young men, barely noticing Bubba or the “diamonds on his fingers”. One thing they both agreed on is that it was love at first sight. Bubba asked her for her name and if he could walk her home, she obliged. The two became inseparable. Soon after dating, he gave her the name “Lady Di”.
That chance encounter ultimately led to a whirlwind courtship and a love affair that spread from Virginian to California and several states in between. The best way to describe the two of them is Romeo and Juliet meets Bonnie and Clyde. Wherever you saw one, the other was sure to be in close proximity. The two officially became one on June 16, 1974 and from this union, 3 children were born.
Diane was preceded in death by both her husband, Zaka Muhammadandherfather,DavidKingJackson.Shewillbe immenselymissedbyhermotherMrs.ThelmaJacksonand leaves to carry on her legacy her 2 sons Micah Antoine Jackson (Arcelia), LaMar Rashaad Graham and daughter Shahidah Ra’Shon Graham (JP). While Diane loved her children with her whole heart, she stated becoming a grandmotherbroughtheranindescribablekindofjoy.She was a proud grandmother of 5 Aaron (Gladys), Melanie (Rodney),RaMal,T’ElleandherBFFJay(Deja)whogaveher the name “Grandma Pickle”. She’s also the great grandmotherofAryanna,Kamari,Alani,andAaron,Jr.
Diane was known by many. Whether you recognized her by her voice, long, dark wavy hair, her green eyes or her “witty” comebacks, she was sure to leave a lasting impression. Along the way, there were several people she held close to her heart and spoke of often. These are the people who held her hand and walked beside her even in her lowest hours namely Velrie Graham, Janet Coleman, Venus Halbert, Samantha, Dirty Lo, Rome, Diane Logan, Demetri Robinson as well as several acquaintances from 700 S Lombardy, Whitcomb Court as well as her friends from the Westend and Churchill areas. Also cherishing her memory are her 3 brother-in-laws Michael (Charlene), Kevin, and Reggie (Velrie); 2 sisters-inlaw Zenobia “Tiny” Jackson and Nayatoa “NayNay” Jenkins(Ronald)andahostofniecesandnephews (Lil Andre, Desmond, Bella, Omar, Kiarra, Keonna, AJ,Rashaad,Junelle,William,Kierra,andKevin).
The family would like to thank Wilson & Associates Funeral Service, VCU Hospital, RRHA, Seventh Street Memorial Baptist Church, members of the Mt Vernon Baptist Church, P.A.C.E, Ms. Girlees Kitchen, and the distinguished men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. We would also like to thank Kanika “Candy” McBride, Charryse Woodson, Rev Niki Wright, Dr CC Jackson and all friends, extended family, and loved ones who have shown their love from both near and far. Your presence, cards, calls, texts, donations and prayers have truly helped during these difficult moments. Thank you and may God bless you richly!
John Pettaway
Roger Fowler
Alfago Scott
Eric Whitaker
Reggie Graham
Brandon Whitaker
Junelle Jackson
Kanika McBride
Ryse Woodson
Sharonda Jackson
Janet Coleman
Arrangements Entrusted to & Associates’ Funeral Service, Inc.
5008 Nine Mile Road Richmond, VA 23223
