Diana Marie Esprit

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Diana Marie Esprit was born on November 17, 1948, to the late Henry Esprit and Dolvina LeDay Esprit Guillory in Mamou, LA. She was a 1966 graduate of Katie B. Thomas High School, where she was a basketball player as well as a proud majorette. She went on to TH Harris in Opelousas, LA. While raising her kids, she was employed for many years in the casino industry as a Slot Attendant and Slot Manager.

Diana, the diva, was always dressed from head to toe with earrings to match whatever outfit she had on that day. She loved to dance, laugh, and enjoy life to the fullest. A simple "I'm going to get a Coke" meant she was headed to the Cash Magic to hit the slots and have a little fun. She enjoyed having company over-her door was always open, her home filled with laughter, conversation, and love. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her kids and grandkids. Her favorite moments were doing Ajahania's makeup and hair on any given day and cheering on Erick (EJ) at every football game. She was the queen of the kitchen who could make a mean gumbo, okra, and, to her family, the world's most famous banana pudding.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Franklin; parents, Henry Esprit and Dolvina LeDay Esprit Guillory; siblings Frank Esprit Sr., Marion Esprit, and Barbara Harmon; and godchild Anita Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memories her adored sons, Derrick Wayne Franklin (Stephanie), Erick Juan Franklin Sr. (Aqueenta), and Derryon Djuan Esprit, all of Lake Charles, LA; her admired grandchildren, Christian, Ajahania, Quinntayja, Erick Jr., Cainan, Irulan, Jaiden, and Paisley; Great Grandchildren, Zy'on, Mazi and Aniyah. Her siblings are Bernice Johnson, Karl Esprit, Judy Williams, and Janice Esprit, all of Lake Charles, LA; her godchildren are Jessica Williams, Debra Armelin, and Whitney Honeycutt; and her best friends, who were just like siblings, are William Spencer and Jacqueline Gray.

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