Dianne Heckstall

Dianne Heckstall was born on October 6, 1955, in Ahoskie, North Carolina, to the late James Harris and her devoted mother, Cora Lee Harris. She was the fourth of eight children and grew up surrounded by the love and closeness of her family. Dianne began her education at C.G. White School in Powellsville, North Carolina, and Bertie County High School, later attending Ahoskie High School where she graduated. After graduation, she moved to Middletown, Connecticut, where she began a new chapter of her life. There, she married and was blessed with two sons who brought her great joy. In time, Dianne found her lifelong partner in love and marriage, John Edward Heckstall. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two more children and sharing over 41 years of marriage. Their bond was one of true love, strength, and commitment. Dianne worked at Wesley Elementary School as a teacher’s aide during the day and also held second-shift work in facilities services at Pratt & Whitney. On weekends, she provided home cleaning services in the community. With unwavering determination, she would finally jump through the many hurdles it took to secure the opportunity to become a state employee. She went on to dedicate over 30 years of service to the State of Connecticut, where she built lasting friendships before retiring. Beyond her work, Dianne was a woman of warmth, grace, and kindness. She treasured her family deeply and poured her heart into creating a loving home filled with care, laughter, and faith. A devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Dianne found great joy and purpose in her service to Jehovah. She was deeply committed to her faith and cherished her Kingdom Hall family, who were such an important part of her life. Her love for Jehovah guided the way she lived; with compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion. Dianne leaves behind her devoted husband of 41 years, John Edward Heckstall, and five beloved sons: Grady Jerron “Dude” Jacobs (Monique Jacobs), Tawaine Maurice Stamps, Lee Ra’Shaun Jacobs, John Edward “J2” Heckstall II, and Shane E’lon Heckstall. She was a proud and loving grandmother to: • Ta’quanis Meylasha Sessoms (GD) • Jiya Kiara Jacobs (GD) • Jomikka Janaya Jacobs (GD) • Tashiana Na’jah Jacobs (GD) • Maleigha Lynn Jacobs (GD) • Maxwell James Cyr-Jacobs (GS) • Jacob Lee Adorno (GS) • Ava Dianne Jacobs (GD) • Amari James Heckstall (GS) • Laila Jean Heckstall (GD) Each of them was a source of great joy and held a special place in her heart. She was also blessed to see the next generation, her cherished great-grandchildren: • Zy’aire Jaelon Sessoms (GGS) • Yu’nique Delores Fogle (GGD) • Da’Veon Dvonte Shamiri Tenn (GGS) • Za’Riyah Wright (GGD) • Kamilla Annalise Adorno (GGD) Dianne was preceded in death by her father, James Harris, and her brother, James Harris Jr. She is survived by her loving mother, Cora Lee Harris, and her cherished siblings: Jessie Mae Jordan, Elenora “Geneva” Fulmore, Eddie Harris, Robert Kenneth Harris, Sharon Blanks, and Cora Lee Gibson (Russell Gibson). She also leaves to treasure her memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, her dear Kingdom Hall family, and countless friends who loved her deeply. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith; qualities that will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love will remain our guiding light, and her memory will forever be cherished. We hold fast to the hope found in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” This promise brings comfort, knowing that Dianne now rests safely in Jehovah’s memory until the day we are reunited.

Dianne Heckstall

October 6, 1955 - September 7, 2025