Marvalis Diane Hall

Evening Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home, 230 S. Hollywood Road, Houma, LA 70360 from 5:00PM-7:00PM.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Visitation will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, 263 Grand Caillou Rd, Houma, LA 70363 from 9:00AM until time of service. Funeral Services begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Ranch Cemetery.

Diane was the oldest of 7 children born to the parentage of Southern, Jr. and Daisy Grant Jackson. Reared in a home of faith and love, she was baptized at an early age at New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

She attended St. Lucy Catholic School for most of her formal education until segregation forced its closure in 1967. Diane was a proud graduate of South Terrebonne High School, Class of 1968. She went on to further her education at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA where she studied elementary education.

While attending Southern University, she met the love of her life, Ernest James Hall. A love story that began during their early college years grew and October 11, 1969, they were united in holy matrimony. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion, becoming the proud parents of two daughters, Woukeenia and Kayoniana.

Diane was a woman of deep faith and commitment to the church, where she served on the church beautification committee and in youth leadership. Later, she became a devoted member of New Zion Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as Head Deaconess until her illness.

Professionally, she worked at the Louisiana State School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, LA where she taught religion before relocating back to Houma. Diane dedicated over 30 years of service to JCPenney, where she worked with diligence and pride until her retirement.

Diane had a special passion for weddings, brides and love for “all things bridal”. Her trademark creativity, elegance, and wedding etiquette created memorable experiences that celebrated beauty, joy, and tradition. She was the visionary behind the “Brides of All Seasons” pageants for miniature brides, which she proudly introduced to the Houma community. Her imaginative ideas for bringing flowers to life made her a sought after floral arranger and interior decorator. Whether decorating the church for holidays or coordinating weddings for family and friends, her artful eye for shaping beauty transformed ordinary moments into something truly beautiful and unforgettable.

Diane was devoted to her family, especially her husband, standing by him with loyalty, tenderness, and unwavering commitment. Their bond was a steady anchor in her life, a partnership built on love, respect, and shared strength. Diane carried immense pride for her two daughters and all they accomplished. Their achievements brought her joy, but it was the women they became — strong, capable, and compassionate — that filled her heart with the deepest satisfaction. She supported them fiercely, celebrated them openly, and loved them without limits.

The love she felt for her only grandson, Bryce can only described as a depth that shaped her entire life. He was her everything, the light she carried proudly and tenderly. Diane also had a natural gift as an early teacher to all of her nieces and nephews. She could often be found surrounded by a little crowd of them, singing songs, teaching rhymes, and filling their days with laughter, learning, and love.

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. On April 10, 2026, when God saw that Diane’s earthly journey had become heavy, He extended His hand. She accepted His touch and stepped peacefully into eternity. KJV

Diane leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband of 56+ years, Ernest James Hall; Two daughters, Dr. Woukeenia H. (Marlon) Cousin and Kayoniana J. Hall; her beloved grandson, Bryce James Cousin; Two brothers, Roy (Ann) Jackson and Rev. Terryl (Julhelene) Jackson; Two sisters, Vanester J. Lagarde and Berryl R. Jackson; brother-in-law, David Hall; sister-in-law, Doris J. Hall; Two uncles, Ambrose Nixon, Jr. and Edward Charles Nixon; Two aunts, Gay M. Nixon and Joyce B. Nixon; Godchildren, Daisalynn Raelle Neely and Myles P. Merrill; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Southern, Jr. and Daisy Grant Jackson; one brother, Ray Noble Jackson, Sr.; one sister, Gail Jackson Williams; four brothers-in-law, Clyde, Willie, Bobby, and Tommy Hall; one sister-in law, Georgia H. Johnson; her paternal grandparents, Southern and Pinkie Watson Jackson; her maternal grandparents, Ambrose, Sr. and Rose Navarre Nixon, and McKinley Grant, Sr.; uncles, McKinley Grant, Jr., Sterling Nixon, Philmore Jackson, Sr., and John Jackson, Sr.; aunts, Augustine Grant, Lettie J. Williams, Viola J. Harris, Cora J. Butler, Elizabeth J. Williams, Betty J. James, and Jennie J. Dickerson; and Godchildren, Trell Nevers and Cecil Lewis.

Diane will be remembered for her grace, strength, creative mastery, and unwavering love for her family. She had a remarkable ability to make every space beautiful and every person feel special. Her legacy of love, faith, creativity, and community impact will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.