Diana Pierson

Diana Joyce Cheatham Pierson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. She was 70 years old.

Diana was born in 1945 to Nina Evelyn Burton-Cheatham Piper. She grew up in Murphysboro, Illinois, and graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1963. In 1965, she married her high-school sweetheart David Pierson and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They moved their family to Jackson in 1978.

Diana took great pride in raising her two daughters, but she often told everyone being a grandparent was what made her the happiest. Diana cared for all three of her grandchildren. She was their head cheerleader at their ballgames, golf matches and other school functions. She took them on annual trips to one of her favorite places, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Diana was well known for being a very talented artist. She and her husband enjoyed participating in craft shows for many years throughout the Midwest.

She is survived by her husband, David Pierson; her daughters, Laura Bray (husband Lance) and Marcia Daniels (husband Tim); grandchildren Camryn Daniels, Allison Bray and Blaine Daniels; her brothers David Cheatham (wife Carole) and Richard Cheatham; her sisters Jane Chancey (husband Steve) and Mary Ann Kheniser (husband Issam); sister-in-law Audrey Cardwell Cheatham; her uncle Bob Burton (wife Pat); her aunt Jenny Truenow (husband Don); numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother; her grandfather, Clyde Jefferson Burton; her stepfather, Elmer Piper; her brothers, Charles William (Billy) Piper and James Rodger (Jim Cheatham).

A celebration of her life for family and friends will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home, 640 W. Independence St. in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, Diana preferred contributions be made towards her grandchildrens' college education. Contact Laura Bray for information.