Dian Rosetta Jackson

Dian Rosetta Jackson was born on October 28, 1927 in Birmingham, Alabama to her loving parents, Ira and Louise Harris. She was the youngest of two children. She was called home on September 30, 2021. With her departure we will miss her kind heart, her laughter, as well as her loving and wise counsel.

Dian accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at an early  age.

The family moved to Vanport, Oregon where Dian graduated from Vancouver High School. After graduation, the family decided to return to Alabama. Upon their return, Dian met and married Walter Craig. To this union they were blessed with four children: Ronald, Donovan, Walter, Jr. and Valerie. After the birth of their first child the family decided to move permanently to Portland, Oregon.

Dian worked part time at the Multnomah County Library as a page and later became the first black woman in the technology industry working at Techtronic's, Inc. for twenty two years.

Dian joined Mt. Olivet Baptist Church soon after moving to Portland in 1948 under the leadership of Rev. J. James Clow and continued to serve the Lord  faithfully throughout her life. She was an active member of the MOBC OASIS (Older Adults Still in Service) ministry until her health started to fail.

Dian married Rev. John H. Jackson, the former Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, in 1979. She enjoyed life as the 1st Lady until his retirement. After retirement, they joined 1st Baptist Church.

After his passing in 1994 Dian continued to attend 1st Baptist and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she enjoyed both families. She was especially proud of the John and Dian Jackson Albina Head Start Early Childcare Center located on the Portland Community College Cascade campus. They have on display a beautiful portrait of her and the late Rev. Jackson.

Dian is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Louise Harris; first husband, Walter Craig Sr.; second husband, Rev. John Jackson; brother, Carl Harris; son, Donovan Craig Sr.; stepson, John Jackson Jr.; sister-in-law, Anne Harris; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Craig; and great grandson, Jackson Craig. Dian leaves to cherish her precious memory; sons, Ron and Walter Jr. (Julie); daughter, Valerie (Charles); daughter-in-law, Anita; nephew, Fred Harris (Cindy); grandchildren, DaRon, Vatara, Catrece, Donovan Jr. (Milus), Walter III, Dian, and Michael; great grandchildren, Joshua, Antoya, Catera, Antonio, Aniya, Kamari, Lexi, Justice, Jada, Mia, Alexis, Walter IIII, Teron, DaRon Jr., Davon and Orion; great great grandchildren, Charm and Adore; as well as a host of loving friends and family.

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