Dianne Davis McCalla

Born in Miami, FL. on June 12, 1940, to Tine and Eunice Davis. Dianne began a journey through life that proved to be a most rewarding adventure. Coupled with her determination to give of herself and take charge of the challenges presented to her by health issues for twenty seven years. Dianne became an inspiration to all. It was because family, friends and doctors strengthened her life with their prayers, blessed her with their love and encourage her with their hope, that she had a tremendous sense of celebration and gratefulness for being alive. Dianne lived with love, respect, hope, joy and peace. She knew the secret to life and encouraged everyone around her to discover the same, “Get excited about your life!” she would say. “Ask God to enlarge your territory. Let go of the past and live for today!” Dianne left this world on February 27, 2014 in Jacksonville, FL with the peace and love in her heart that we all hope to find. She thanked God for the wonder of his grace in her life.

She knew that we have to choose to be happy and believed in the motto, “Live to Give.” Dianne believed in sharing what we have and giving our greatest gift of all, ourselves. She showed us this through her work with Christ United Methodist Church, The American Liver Foundation of Memphis, The Child Advocacy Center of Memphis, The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, The Memphis Symphony, Dreams Come True, MOCA, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, UNF’s 1st Generation Scholarship Program, The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, United Way Success by Six Program and the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, amongst many other organizations and charities. Dianne had an intense desire to explore and discover new things and let life unfold with all that God had in store for her.

Forever changed by her presence in their lives are her husband, W. Gary McCalla; son, Roy T. Latimer of Birmingham, AL, and his children, Davis, Thomas, and Tine Latimer; daughter, Gara McCalla Christian (Joe) of Lakeland, TN, and their children, Jackson and Jordan Christian; son, Andrew B. McCalla of Austin, TX; sister, Tionna Davis Hatchett (Bill); brother, T. Wayne Davis (Kitty) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Dianne’s life will be held from 5-6:30pm on Saturday, March 8, 2014 in the Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com