She was born in Jacksonville to the late Allen Dale Bucklew and Jean D. Bucklew, whom she is survived by. She lived in Beulaville, Piney Grove, Engelhard and Swan Quarter in North Carolina. She graduated high school in Parsons, W.Va. She attended Marshall and Fairmont State University where she was yearbook editor for two years. She taught English and journalism at Hedgesville High School while living in Martinsburg, W.Va.
She moved back to Jacksonville, where she taught high school English. She served as building representative, vice president and president of Onslow County NCAE/NEA. She received training from NEA in Washington, D.C., and served as Uniserv Director in Kansas City, El Dorado, Arkansas, and in the counties of Duplin, Sampson, Bladen, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Whiteville City and Clinton City in North Carolina. While living in Arkansas, she drove in President Bill Clinton's motorcade on numerous occasions and she drove for Hillary Clinton on Election Day in 1996.
Diana is also survived by brothers Alan (Anna) of Swansboro, Steven (Kathy) of Jacksonville, and sister Lyn Cork (Brent) of Beulaville.
She is lovingly remembered as "THE" Aunt by Ben Bucklew, Britne Bucklew, Jessica Bucklew, Sosa (Logan), Hilary Cork, Alex Bucklew, Hayden Cork and Alanna Bucklew.
Visitation for Diana will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Richlands United Methodist Church from 2 to 4 p.m. A service officiated by the Rev. Roger Cope will be held for Diana on Wednesday at 4 p.m. following the visitation, with interment at East Duplin Cemetery after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Methodist Children's Home.
Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home of Richlands.
Condolences may be left at johnsonfuneralhomes.com or jdnews.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jonel Riley
August 3, 2025
I still think of you often, Diana. Remembering some of your kookier antics still makes me chuckle. You made quite an impression with your loyal friendship and quirky sense of humor and I will never forget you.
Jonel Riley
August 4, 2024
I was talking about you just the other day with a family member. Knowing you, even briefly, left me with the fondest of lifelong memories. You were that special, Diana.
Dane Rodney Watson
August 3, 2024
You are sorely missed!
Peace and Blessings and may the Lord provide comfort and strength!
Dane Watson
NEA Intern Class of 1994
Jonel Riley
August 3, 2022
You were in my thoughts again just a few days ago, Diana. I´d like to think you know that and that I keep a few of your special gifts where I see them all the time. They always make me smile. Then I´ll remember something funny you said or did and I find myself laughing out loud. You made a mark in this crazy world, my friend, and I count myself very lucky to have known you.
Jonel Riley
August 3, 2020
I still think of you often and fondly, Diana. You were such a happy lady. I still hear your laughter. I'll bet you're keeping them entertained in heaven, girl.
Jonel Riley
August 8, 2019
You are missed, Diana. Its hard to believe you have been gone these past eight years. Ive thought about you often and missed your amazing sense of humor and sweet generosity. You were a pleasure as a co-worker and a treasure as a friend.
Nanci Sullivan
August 13, 2011
Ms. Bucklew was a great teacher and she blessed all of her students. May God bless her family during this difficult time.
Lois Lantz Lambert
August 12, 2011
Was deeply saddened to read of Diana's passing. God evidently needed a new angel. We shared many memorable moments here at Parsons High, DAR Camp and at Fairmont State. My deepest Sympathy to Mrs. Bucklew, Allen, Steve and Lyn. Mrs. Bucklew, you were a wonderful educator and we missed you and your husband when you left Parsons. Diana will be greatly missed by all those who knew her and the many whose lives she touched
May God Bless and Comfort her family.
Lois
Jacque (Moore) Roy
August 11, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Bobbie Huddleston
August 11, 2011
Lyn,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Angela Lofton
August 10, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dane Watson
August 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in your time of loss.
Jewell Cribb
August 10, 2011
My condolences to Diana's family. She meant a great deal to me not only as my UniServ but as a person and as a friend who could lift you up when you down but who also listened with her heart. She was original, funny, and hard-working. She is missed.
August 10, 2011
Our family shares in your loss, and prays for the family. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Rhem Taylor
Fred Meyer
August 10, 2011
Mrs. Bucklew,
I hope you remember me from the days way back at old Mountaineer High school. You were our Guidance Counselor, and we needed all the guidance we could get. I remember the Bucklew family from those days and I am sure this has been a very sad and trying time for the family. I read of Diana's passing in the Parsons paper and I just wanted to extend my sympathy and prayers to you at this time. I am close in age to Diana and it is way too soon to lose her. God ahs a purpose for her next to him I am sure.
August 10, 2011
On behalf of Saint Augustine's College SNCAE chapter, we offer our sincere thoughts and prayers for the family.
Ingrid Wright
SNCAE Chapter Co- Advisor
Nancy Lenk
August 10, 2011
I know the world is missing one more drum major for justice this week. My prayers and thoughts go out to Diana's family, friends and colleagues at this time. I hope you all find some peace, love and light.
Nancy Lenk
NCAE
Matt & Melissa St. Clair
August 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bucklew family. Semper Fi, The St. Clairs
August 10, 2011
We are very sad to lose Diana. We can only hope to live our lives as passionately as she did. May her zest for life be reflected in us all.
Janet Frazier Stein
August 9, 2011
I was so sad to hear about Diana. I remember her as a great colleague and I know the void she leaves for the NCAE family. If we can take the many lessons she taught us and make ourselves and the world a better place, what a testimony that would be to her life.
Maynard Hyler
August 9, 2011
Diana was more than just a good friend. She she was the best! We have shared a lot of good times and bad times together but she was always there when you needed her. She had an inner sense of knowing when you had a need and would either call or show up to help. She will be greatly missed by those of us that loved her and valued her friendship and companionship. I miss her so very much already and I am sure that her family members miss her even more. As long as we remember her she will always be with us.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
- Anonymous
Lisa Hudson
August 9, 2011
Diana was a very special person and a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed. Her laughter would always make my heart smile and I will miss that always.
Kelvin Spragley
August 9, 2011
My prayers go out to Diana's family. She was a wonderful and talented individual. As a former colleague, she will be missed as she was so representative of what was positive about this life.
Lina Drinkard
August 9, 2011
I am personally devastated by Diana's death and can only imagine how hard it is for all of you...the most amazing thing has occurred for me, though, and it is what I hope is happening for you, too. My every waking thought is filled with precious memories of "fun times together"! From "I Can Do It" trainings to time in New Mexico, Colorado, and Los Angeles and just everyday kinds of tasks while working on the student conferences or organizing - we laughed and had a great time! Her humor,compassion, and love of family made my life better and helped me to be a stronger, happier person. She always made a difference and still does! I'm imagining that she is having a great time in reunion with her dad and probably seeing alot of humor in our commotions down here. She was and is loved and will be sorely missed. My love and prayers are with you all.
claudia williams
August 9, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of Diana's passing. I have many fond memories of her. I remember her dancing on the table at Summer Leaders. I remember hiring her as a Uniserv consultant for NCAE. I remember reading her activity reports and laughing till I cried - her wit always capturing what she saw and did on her job in a way no one else could. I remember how she talked of her family - love for them running through every word. I remember. May your memories be as joyous when you remember her as mine are.
August 9, 2011
My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. I remember Diana as I was growing up in Parsons, WV. She was always kind, caring, and given and will be sadly missed. Lorrisa "Phillips" Kincaid
Debbie Hyler
August 9, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about Diana. I did not know her personally, but felt as though I did. My close friend, Maynard Hyler spoke very fondly of her and what a dear friend she was to every one. He told me she could always cheer you up when you were down, and when you walked away from her, your spirits would always be lifted. Our loss is Heaven's gain. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless!
Bet Brewster
August 9, 2011
Lyn
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Do know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Bet Brewster
August 9, 2011
Diana's friendship was and will remain an important part of my life. She was a true and kind friend, and I will miss her. We will all have to remember the good times we enjoyed over the years with Diana, and thereby keep her in our hearts. My deepest condolences to Diana's family.
Terry Williams, Lexington,KY
Tammie Page
August 9, 2011
Diana was such a wonderful human being who believed in respecting the dignity and rights of every individual. She was influential in my growth as both a leader and advocate for educators and children. I am heartbroken at her loss, but know that she has finished her work here and has passed on to the other side.
Jonel Riley
August 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sadness and loss. Diana has always been one of my most favorite people, in general, and as a colleague at NCAE. Her bubbly personality and great sense of humor will be sorely missed but I am comforted by the thought that heaven will be a more cheerful place with Diana there. God speed, my friend.
Merita Lewis
August 9, 2011
Oh my goodness. am sorry to learn of Diana's passing. I hope that each of you will be able to draw strength from your faith, memories, each cother and in knowing so many people all over care, are thinking of ya'll and are praying for you as a family unit. God bless each of you in your sadness at this time and the days ahead. Sincerely, Merita, Hyde Co.
August 9, 2011
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Bucklew family. Dianes's life was one of fulfillment and it was a great pleasure knowing her Kate and Gabby
William Brown
August 9, 2011
Jean, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of transition and reflection. Although I did not know Diana, if she was anything like you and Allen, she was an extraordinary individual. Find solace in your memories.
August 9, 2011
My deepest sympathy for you loss of Diana. I have many fond memories of her. Special prayers for the whole family and especially Jean and Lyn. Johnnie Shane
August 9, 2011
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Diana. My association with Diana was one of pleasure and I have good memories of her. My prayers are with your family and particularly Jean,and Lyn. Johnnie Shane
Charles Pollock
August 9, 2011
So sorry to hear about Diane's death. We are thinking about you all and send our love and prayers. Charles & Irene Pollock
Norell Daniels Myers
August 9, 2011
Ms. Bucklew was such an inspiraiton to me. She was strength personified. She taught me so much more than literature. She taught me life skills. I dont have the words to thank her properly. Let me just say that there will never be another like her...she will be missed.
Debbie Newman
August 9, 2011
Diana was a special friend who will be greatly missed. She was always there when I needed her advice and was positive, caring and a strong advocate for educators. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Lakeatia Daniels-Owens
August 9, 2011
Ms. Diana Bucklew was instrumental to who I am as a person today. She gave me the courage to write from my soul and was the first to believe in my talent. When I left for college she asked for my college address. She wrote me a letter of encouragement during my first week of school. When I opened my mailbox door it lit up the inside of the box. The envelope was blue and it had rainbows on it. Her handwriting was so pristine and I always loved how she made the letter "D" in cursive. I read the letter and carried it with me for a week. The words of wisdom and encouragement gave me what I needed as I was in a new world at college. Ms. Bucklew understood. I locked the letter up and 20 years later I still have that letter. The letter was what I read when I needed encouragement. She will be missed and I was so blessed to call her my teacher. Blessings and prayers to the family.
John Wilson
August 9, 2011
I was heart broken to hear that Diana had been called home. Her time with us had been so short, but so purposeful. She loved teaching and she loved teachers and education support professionals. She was kind and giving to all. She will be missed, but heaven will be a better place.
Pat Blake
August 9, 2011
Diana was always such a joy to be around. Her loving smile will always be remembered. May God bless all the family and comfort each one. Pat Blake & family
Karen Stroud Karl
August 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family ... Diana was a wonderful and caring person whom I admired ... she will forever hold a special place in our hearts and I will treasure the memories of our friendship ... God is getting a GREAT Angel !!
Jason Burgess
August 9, 2011
Miss Bucklew was a great teacher. Stern yet warm and funny once she let you in, what a loss for us all.
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