Linda Diane (Melton) Johnson

Linda Diane Melton Johnson, age 72, of Gulfport passed in peace on Saturday, January 18, 2020. Diane was 1 of 12 children born to Herman and Bonnie (Sauls) Melton on July 4, 1947. She grew up in a different era and was taught how to love and work hard. And work hard she did! From an early age she worked on the family farm, tending cows, chickens and corn fields. The family took great pride in their award winning watermelon patch. Diane went on to marry her sweetheart and together they raised two children. Diane was a wonderful example of love. Having a generous heart, willing to help anybody whether she had it or not.  She taught her family to stay focused on what is truly important, not only when your life is easy, but when it is difficult too. While Diane was a foodie, she was not known as a cook except for her famous fudge! She had a love for gambling but it didn’t come close to comparison for her love of her grands. She may be gone from sight but never gone from our hearts. Diane is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Johnson; parents, Herman and Bonnie Melton; siblings, Bonnie Mae Jones, Caroline Bidwell and Jr. Melton. She leaves behind her daughter, Reginia (Bryant   ) Adams and son, Jeremy  (Lauri) Johnson; grandchildren, Latishia, Christopher, Anthony, Ashley, Sean, Heather, Samantha and Ashley Nicole; 11 great-grands; siblings, Elizabeth, Rosemary Brooks, Janice Bidwell, Deloris Gilmore, Charles Ray Melton, Edward Melton, Percy Melton and Henry Melton along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Following Diane’s wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to “Pay it Forward” or go to the casino and drop a coin in her honor! In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the funeral home to offset final expenses. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Diane and ask that you keep her family lifted up in prayer.