Diana Jamillie Carver

With hearts full of love and remembrance, we honor the life of Diana Jamillie Carver, who passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, Diana was born on June 15, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Sophia and Albert DeWood. Her journey through life was marked by resilience, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Diana moved to Los Angeles at the age of seven, where she grew up embracing both her Lebanese heritage and the vibrant culture of her new home. She attended Immaculate Heart High School and worked at her family’s hot dog stand on Western Avenue in the early 1950’s before pursuing a career in service and education. She waitressed for many years while raising a young family and taking nursing classes at Los Angeles Community College. Ultimately, she found her calling as a Special Education Assistant Teacher at Hollywood High School, where she worked for over 20 years. Diana took great pride in supporting students who needed extra help, leaving a lasting impact on many young lives.

Diana’s independence and zest for life were unmatched. She had an incredible ability to strike a bargain, an eye for opportunity, and an unshakable determination to live life on her own terms. Her business acumen and ingenuity were evident in every aspect of her life, from navigating challenges as a single mother to managing her home with resourcefulness and care.

Diana had a deep love for music and dancing, especially to the songs of Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra. Whether at home or in her car, she always had the radio playing, filling her world with music. Raised in the Catholic Church, she remained devoted to her faith throughout her life, reading the Bible daily. In her later years, her faith provided her with comfort, peace, and hope.

Above all, Diana cherished her family. She found joy in every gathering, celebrating college graduations, birthdays, marriages, holidays, and any occasion that brought loved ones together. However, the most treasured celebrations were her milestone birthdays—her 70th in Santa Barbara, her 80th in New Orleans, and her 90th in Oxnard—where the entire family came together to celebrate her life and legacy.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Sophia and Albert DeWood; her sisters, Marie Buntrock, Lorraine Wadro, Eleanor Jones, Lenora DeWood; her brother, Edward DeWood; and her longtime partner, Bob Miller.

Diana is survived by her three children: Robert (wife Suli), Jeffrey, and Holly (husband Kris). She leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Caroline (husband Kiran), Danielle, Natalie (husband Ed), Kol, and Elle. She was also blessed with a great-grandson, Makai.

Family and friends are invited to honor Diana’s life at a service on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054. A Celebration of Life will follow at a nearby venue, where loved ones will gather to share memories, laughter, and the enduring legacy of an extraordinary woman.

Diana’s indomitable spirit, love of family, and infectious joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.