Henryce Diane Jackson Gumes

Henryce Diane Jackson was born on July 17th, 1959 in Boston Massachusetts to Henryce and Elliott Jackson.  

Diane was the heart that beat life into everything she touched.  She was the bridge that united us, kept us informed, and called us to action. She was the backbone that held all things together. Even as a young girl, Diane was a take charge kind of kid who ruled the roost and was always concerned about the well-being of those around her.

Growing up in the 70’s, Diane like most teens escaped into the fantasy world of television. Crime dramas like the “Streets of San Francisco”  were her favorites. Diane reveled in solving the mysteries contained in each episode.  Diane loved music and she loved the Jackson Five.  She amassed an impressive collection of 45’s, LP’s, 8 Tracks and cassettes which she meticulously catalogued and organized.

Diane was an avid learner.  After graduating from Boston Technical High School class of 1977, she attended Mount Ida College. She studied at Northeastern University and completed her bachelor’s degree at UMASS College of Public and Community Service class of 1986.  Throughout her professional life Diane continued to expand her knowledge taking advance course work at Suffolk University and Simmons College.  She was an IOTA PHI Theta sweetheart and eventually pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha.  

Diane was an advocate, an archivist, and a survivor. She dedicated her personal and professional life to uplift those communities who struggles and hardships mirrored her own.  From working with abused and neglected children, to sexual assault survivors, to the addicted and recovering, to the incarcerated, Diane used her skills and talents to document their struggles and advocate for change.

Most recently Diane was the Administrator for the online support group “Separated by Incarceration” and served as the Director of Residential Programs for the non-profit organization “REACH Beyond Domestic Violence.”  

Though her professional accomplishments are noteworthy, what mattered most to Diane was her family.  She always wanted to be a wife and a mother and she loved and protected her family fiercely. 

Diane leaves a devoted and loving family to cherish her memory including her beloved husband, Kenneth, her children Kenan, Kearston, Kiel  Smith and Quran T. Brookins-Gumes , her grandchildren Maxx and Myles, her parents Henryce and Eliot and a host of cherished relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Elliott Jackson Jr.   

Diane was brave and authentic and she always led with her heart.  She left us far too soon and she will be deeply missed.

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