Jackson-DeMoe, retired SEPTA driver and avid bowler, dies at 62

If you're going to drive a bus through the city streets, you'd better like people.

Diana Jackson-DeMoe was a SEPTA driver for 25 years, and she did like people.

"Diana loved working with people," her family said.

She also had "a special place in her heart for children," and was long associated with the Nicetown Boys and Girls Club as assistant director. She also worked on the Yeadon Youth Advisory Panel, among other civic enterprises.

Diana, who was also an accomplished photographer who recorded the scenes of her many world travels in beautiful pictures that decorated her home, died Dec. 4 of heart failure. She was 62 and lived in Yeadon.

She was born the only child of Natalie Gaither and raised in West Philadelphia. She graduated in 1965 from the Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural Boarding School and received an associate degree in social work from Community College of Philadelphia.

As a social worker, she specialized in helping troubled young people. In 1967, she married James DeMoe. The marriage ended in divorce.

Diana was a founding member of the West Philadelphia Community Planners, and the Lens Guild, where she displayed some of her photos.

She toured Europe as recently as three years ago.

She was a skilled bowler who participated in a number of leagues.

A big part of Diana's life was entertaining friends and family.

They all looked forward to her Fourth of July parties.

"The food, music, games and just 'hanging out' were Diana's way of showing her love of her family - and everyone who stopped by was considered family."

She is survived by two sons, David and Darrell; her mother, Natalie Gaither, and seven grandchildren.

Services: Memorial service at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 654 Church Lane, Yeadon.