A bright light was lost to this world on December 7, 2022. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and friend to many, Diana inspired all who knew her with her inner strength, constant smile, and happy laugh which punctuated her conversations. Her concern for those she knew and loved made each person feel special.
Diana was born December 10, 1942, in Washington, DC to John and Clara Willis Cannady. Her parents returned to their native North Carolina where Diana spent her early childhood years in Sampson County near Clinton, NC. Her memories of living on a rural farm near the Epworth community were both vivid
and formative. Her sister, Judy, only two years younger was often left in her care, so Diana learned responsibility and how to take charge at a young age. She had many happy memories on the farm and relished sharing stories from those years. A second sister and brother followed several years later. Diana was always fiercely loyal and protective of her siblings and remained so to the end.
In 1960 Diana graduated from Ahoskie High School, having moved to Eastern NC when she was 11. She attended East Carolina College and studied French. While there she met and married her first love, John Leonard Nicholas, and they lived in Hampton, VA where a son, John Jr. “Lenny” was born. Four years later a second son, David Scott was born in Greenville, NC where they had returned to live.
In 1970 the young Nicholas family relocated to Winter Park, FL. Diana was a good, strong mother and worked hard to take care of two rambunctious, growing boys. She was a dedicated wife to their father and began a career of her own working for Florida Power. There she was challenged in new directions,
developed professionally, and made lasting friendships. John passed away in 2002 and a few years later Diana retired from work after a 20-year career.
Diana met and married Danny Morrison in 2008 and they enjoyed many happy years together. She also spent quality time with her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren and was grateful for their love and support throughout her life and as she battled cancer. Diana never saw herself as a victim and inspired
all who knew her by her strength of spirit. She passed away at peace with herself and life, and in gratitude to her savior, Jesus Christ.
Diana is survived by her husband, Danny Morrison, of Altamonte Springs; son John L. Nicholas Jr. and wife Debbie of New Smyrna Beach, FL, son David Scott Nicholas and wife Yvonne of Orange Park, FL; granddaughter Lauren Nicholas of Brooklyn, NY, and grandson Jacob Nicholas, a senior at the University of Florida. She was predeceased by her husband, John Nicholas, parents, and sister Judith Cannady Harrington. She is survived by her sister Nancy Pressley and husband Tony of Naples, FL, brother John Dale Cannady and sister-in-law Wanda of Raleigh, NC, and five nieces, two nephews, and many other loving relatives. She also leaves behind several close friends who meant much to her over the years.