Diane Burton Jackson

13, 2020 at 76 years of age. This amazing lady leaves a legacy that is impossible to comprehend

except for those of us privileged to have walked in her shadow. Born in Marietta, GA, she spent

her entire life devoted to helping others. She never met a stranger, and she was comfortable in

both “power suits” and flip flops. A passionate professional, selfless mother, and incredible

grandmother/sister/aunt, Dianne stood tall as the original Steel Magnolia.

Not many young women in the 1960’s went from office work to military service, but Dianne was

no ordinary woman. Wanting to break from the norm and seeking a life-changing challenge, she

joined the Marine Corps. Following her time of military service, she became an Operating

Room Technician and then a Pediatric Physician’s Assistant. Her healthcare career led

eventually to a top executive position as Chief Financial Officer for several large hospitals in

Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Shaped by years of wise leadership, she served on various

panels and advisory boards, and was a published author in business journals.

While well respected and widely recognized in the healthcare field, Dianne’s core was her

family. She intentionally focused on a career that would provide a sense of security for her

children. No matter how often she moved, before she ever unpacked a box, she always hung side

by side the two pictures of her children as toddlers. As the verse says, “A cord of three strands is

not easily broken”, so was the bond of Dianne, Ramey, and Kristi. To them, she was nothing

short of a superwoman. They relied on her love, laughter, and courage to lead them along life’s

paths. Their home was filled with music, games, food, animals, television shows, and

conversation. An Open Door Policy was always in effect for her children’s friends because

without judgement or prejudice, she offered guidance and safety, tinged with humor, to

whomever entered her doors.

To her grandchildren, she was simply “Mamoo”. Savannah, Jonah, Pierce, Preslie and Dani

were constantly reminded of her love by their rotating pictures, notes, cards, and artwork posted

proudly on the refrigerator, walls, and bookshelves. Shared love of Elvis for them was a

no-brainer, since snacks and meals were prepared in her kitchen filled with Elvis memorabilia

while his music played in the background. Nothing made Dianne happier than when her

grandchildren brought their friends to visit, just as their parents had. Noise was inevitable, but

Dianne’s laugh was always heard above all the voices.

Her voice of reason combined with a sense of fun resonated with her siblings. Mickey and Bo

are the brothers she was wedged between in age, so she followed and led with each of them. Her

sister Brenda, however, was her baby. Dianne was allowed to name her sister and dress Brenda

up like a baby doll. Dianne taught her to twirl, drive, dance, and socialize. As best friends, they

shared homes, trips to the beach and Graceland, and secrets. Dianne was truly the wind beneath

Brenda’s wings.

Brooka, Blair, Nicole, and Mickey, Jr. all shared the love of their Aunt Dianne. She was so

proud of all their accomplishments, and suffered with them through any dark times. Always

ready to offer words of wisdom, she knew how to distract them from worries and create for them

opportunities for joy. For the “junior” nieces and nephews, she was pure fun. Alyssa and Kaelee

knew she was just a phone call away, and to Will and Riley, she was “Carwash”, a term of

endearment coined by them just for this special Aunt.

Dianne’s life is a living example of love given and love received. A true woman of faith, she is

smiling, singing, and celebrating with family members preceding her as she keeps watch over her

family still remaining. While we mourn her passing, we know she continues to hold our hands as

we held hers. The family celebrates Dianne Jackson publicly with this written tribute and

privately at a later date. Family members are listed below:

Parents: Mr. and Mrs. B. G. (Bo/Son and Eunice) Burton, Marietta, GA(deceased)

Children: Ramey Jackson (Julie), Kingston, GA; Kristi Holcomb (Jerry), Canton, GA; Julie

Jackson (deceased)

Siblings: Mickey Burton (Chris), Enterprise, AL; Bo Burton (Pat), Blanchard, OK; Brenda

Shuman-Riley, Leeds AL

Grandchildren: Savannah Holcomb, Atlanta, GA; Jonah Holcomb, Atlanta, GA; Pierce Jackson,

Rome, GA; Peyton Jackson (deceased); Preslie Jackson, Rome, GA; Dani Sims, Rome, GA

Nieces/Nephews: Brooka Hutcheson, McRae GA; Blair Inabinet (Bill), Vestavia Hills, AL;

Nicole Upshaw (Jack), Dublin, GA; Mickey Burton, Jr. (deceased); Alyssa Roberson (Brandon),

Augusta, GA; Kaelee Hutcheson, Macon, GA; Jarrett Rick Hutcheson (deceased); Will Inabinet,

Vestavia Hills, AL; Riley Inabinet, Vestavia Hills, AL

Special gratitude is extended to Dianne’s caregivers: Diane, Emily, Jessica, Melissa, and her

faithful canine companion, Johnny Cash.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

https://alz.org/georgia .