Diane W. Long

Diane W. Long November 11, 1938 – February 28, 2017 San Diego
Diane W. Long, 78, passed away peacefully in San Diego on February 28, 2017 following an extended illness. Diane was born on November 11, 1938 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Billy Houston and Pantha Luna Smith. Charles Alan Williamson (Papa Charlie), her mother’s second husband, was Diane’s “dad”, as he adopted her at a very young age. Although Diane and her parents lived in various parts of the Northeast in her early life, she “grew” up St. Petersburg, Florida with her parents , brother, Alan and sister, Barbara. It was in St. Pete where she met the love of her life, Johnie Vernon Long. Diane and Johnie were married on October 3, 1958 and lived in Florida, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California before settling in San Diego in 1972. In all, they enjoyed 19 years together until Johnie’s untimely death in 1977. After Johnie’s passing, Diane began working for the San Diego Unified School District for nearly three decades as a Clerk Typist in the Education Center and as School Secretary at Grant Elementary. Diane touched so many people in her life. She was a devoted mother – PTA Mom, Little League Mom, Cub Scout Mom and to her five sons, just Mom. Further, she was “Grandma Diane” to so many. Not only to her seven grandchildren, of whom she would brag about constantly, but also to others whom she would love just as well. Grandma Diane, with her Gingerbread Man stuff, thimble collection and decorations for every season, will be missed. Diane is survived by her brother, Alan Williamson of Tampa, FL; her sister, Barbara (Williamson) Zingre of St. Petersburg, FL; her sons Johnie Long of St. Petersburg, FL; Charles Long of El Cajon, CA; William Long of San Diego, CA; Michael Long of El Cajon, CA; Steven Long of Kyles Ford, TN. In addition, is survived by her seven grandchildren. Grandma Diane will be missed. Memorial services will be held in San Diego, CA at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on March 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with reception immediately following (3pm-5pm) at the Elks Lodge on Jackson Drive in San Diego.