Diana Cheri Martin

Born November 21, 1960 – Elwood, Indiana

Passed July 14, 2025 – Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Diana Cheri Martin, affectionately known as “Meemaw,” was one of a kind. Her life was full of love, laughter, and unshakable strength. She touched every heart she encountered and left a lasting mark.

She was a devoted mother to her only child, Michelle Nicole McPhearson Alexander (whom she proudly and unapologetically spoiled). Diana was also the proudest grandmother to four grandsons: Bradley McPhearson, Riley Alexander, Jason Durand, and August Alexander. Her grandsons adored her just as fiercely as she did them.

Diana shared a special bond with her siblings—two brothers, Doug and Donald Gamble, and her sister, Debra Gamble Jarvis. She and Debra lovingly called each other the "Twisted Sisters”. She also had step-brothers Hank Smith, Jerry Smith and wife Kathy Smith.

Known for her relentless work ethic, Diana was always the hardest worker in the room. She rarely sat still, always on the move, always helping. She made friends wherever she went, though she was selective about who made it into her inner circle. Quiet and shy at first, once she got to know you—watch out! If you crossed her, you’d get “the look” and a piece of her mind. But if you were down, she was the first to lift your spirits. If you pouted, she’d say, “Turn that frown upside down!” And when she really wanted to make you laugh, she'd say, “Don’t you smile!” over and over until you couldn’t help yourself.

She even had her own special way of waking loved ones up: “Time to get your shine on!”

Diana lit up every room she entered. She was the life of the party—holidays, family gatherings, even her surprise 60th birthday party—she brought the humor, the love, and the joy. She was fun, kind, deeply caring, and always told it like it was. She didn’t sugarcoat anything, and she loved fiercely.

She found peace in nature, especially feeding her hummingbirds and going “bear looking ” with her partner, Jeffery Harting. They shared laughter, snacks (some “for the bears”), and countless adventures. Diana followed Jeff home just five days after his passing—a love so strong it couldn’t be kept apart.

Diana was a spitfire, a caretaker, a friend, a mother, a grandmother, a sister—but above all, a woman who loved with her whole heart.

Her spirit lives on in the laughter of her family, in the stories that grow funnier with every telling, and in the hummingbirds still returning and searching for her.

We love you, Meemaw. It was time to get your shine on. Heaven is lucky to have you—God must’ve needed a hardworking, fierce, and deeply loving angel.