Diann Sue Boone

Diann was born April 7, 1940 and was raised by adoptive parents Duane and Nata Swearengen in Mississippi. Her early life was less than ideal, and when she met Sandee McNatt in school, she formed a lifelong friendship that would turn into a sisterhood when Sandee’s parents, Earl and Margaret McNatt, brought her into their loving family. Diann gained an older brother, Richard McNatt, and his children Tani and Darrin would love her as she so richly deserved.

During the 60s, she met hotshot fighter pilot Harry Boone, who swept her off her feet and they were married on November 27, 1964. Harry adopted Brian, Diann’s son from a previous marriage. A daughter, Michele, and a son Daniel, would arrive over the next few years.

While in Las Vegas, she worked as a model for renowned - some would say notorious - fashion designer Richard Blackwell. She was one of his favorite models, possessing the physicality to properly showcase his designs. She modeled his fashions by the pool at the Flamingo Hotel, where she met a young comedian who also worked the pool, promoting the headlining act. Diann and this young comedian frequently improvised comedy routines that not only promoted the shows, but sent customers to Blackwell’s dress shop. That young comedian was Richard Pryor.

Diann and Harry spent many happy years in Arizona, and when her beloved Harry left us on May 23, 2022 her heart was broken. Tragedy struck again on June 8, 2024 when her firstborn son Brian departed this earth quite suddenly. But on May 29, our beloved Aunt Diann was reunited with them and there is great comfort to be taken from that.

Diann is survived by her daughter Michele and son Daniel, as well as Daniel’s children Catherine, Daniel and Vanessa Boone, sister Sandee Keegan, brother and sister-in-law James “Rusty” and Mary Sue Wilson and their children Terry Lynn Kerr, Jimmy Wilson and Tammy Richardson, nieces Tani (McNatt) O’Bannon (spouse Shawn), Debbie Herman (spouse Mike) Janice Mason and Dawn Abels, as well as nephews Darrin McNatt (spouse Lori), Mark Keegan (spouse Lina), and Joe Keegan.

At Diann’s request, services will be private.