Dianne Amber Roberts

Dianne was born on June 14, 1955, in Trinidad, the eldest of 7. At the age of 16, she moved to the United States and completed her high school education in New York City. Soon after graduating, she answered the call to serve her country by joining the United States Air Force. Dianne faithfully served for 20 years, retiring with the distinguished rank of Master Sergeant.

After her military service, Dianne continued her dedication to helping others through her work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she served for 16 years in the Fair Housing Department, advocating for fairness and opportunity for many.

Dianne had a deep and unwavering relationship with God. She was an active and devoted member of Impact Church in Jacksonville, where she served faithfully on the Welcome and Greeters Team. Dianne loved sharing God’s word and touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and compassionate spirit.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Dianne loved bowling, gardening, feeding squirrels and birds, reading, and spending time near the ocean—a reminder of her Caribbean roots. She also had a special love for animals, especially cats, and supported local charities through her church and personal giving.

Dianne was preceded in death by her father, Clive Sampson, and her brothers, Roger Sampson and Clive Sampson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, James Isaac Roberts II and Deanna Amanda Roberts; her mother, Merel Murad Sampson; her siblings, Karen Sampson, Wade Sampson, Dunston Sampson, and Clayton Sampson; her grandchildren, Bryan, Gabbi, Chole’, Callie, and Michael; her cherished niece, Syretah Montgomery, who was like a daughter to her; her nephew, John Roberts; her sister-in-law, Yvonne Roberts; and the father of her children, James Isaac Roberts, along with many extended family members, church family, and friends whose lives she touched.

Dianne faced pancreatic cancer with incredible strength. Though cancer cells were found in tumors that were surgically removed, her body was never overtaken by the disease. Her case was considered rare by doctors. In her final act of generosity, Dianne donated her body to the National Whole Body Science Institute to help medical professionals learn and advance care for others. She also donated her corneas through the Lions World Vision Institute, giving two individuals the gift of sight. Following her donations, her remains will be cremated.

Dianne’s life was one of service, faith, and love. As the scripture reminds us, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Her family takes comfort in knowing she was welcomed into Heaven with open arms and heard the words, “Well done.”

A celebration of Dianne’s life will be held on March 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home.

A gathering with family and friends will follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to local animal shelters in honor of Dianne’s love for cats.

Dianne’s legacy of faith, kindness, and service will live on in the many lives she touched.