Diana C. Pierce

DIANA CHRISTINE PIERCE 9-17-1986 - 1-18-2017 ,30, resident of Tampa, Florida, entered heaven's gate, Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. She was diagnosed with an aggressive Anaplastic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor. Diana was born Wednesday, September 17, 1986, in Bradenton, Florida, to Suzanne (Suzie) Newsome Pierce and Martin (Marty) W. Pierce, Jr. Immediate Surviving Family: Brother: Darek D. Pierce, of Palmetto, Florida Brother & Wife: Travis & Sarah Pierce, sons Garrett & Jaxon of Seminole, Florida Sister & Husband: Sara E. Pierce & Edward Lani, Jr. of Seminole, Florida Grandmother: Grace Gartrelle Newsome of Bradenton, Florida Surviving Father's Family: Sister: Joy P. Kelly Sister & Husband: Tammi P. and Wayne Rudge, daughter Rebecca Surviving Mother's Family: Brother: Roy Newsome, Fiance Christina Janssen, son Royce Sister & Husband: Marian E. & Brian Moorhead Sister & Husband: Amy G. & Stuart McClain Education: High School: Keswick Christian School College: BM, University of South Florida Masters: MM, Duquesne University Diana excelled in everything she set before her. Her passion in music started with piano lessons, children's musicals in church and beginner band at Keswick Christian School. When she chose bassoon at 10 years old, her support was from her Band Director, Randall Kile. When others thought this instrument was too difficult to start, she accepted the challenge! Her Uncle, Brian Moorhead MM. Associate Professor USF School of Music, Tampa, and Principal Clarinet, The Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay, and her Aunt, Marian Moorhead, PhD Music encouraged us to seek lessons through Jim Rogers, Florida Orchestra Bassoonist. Jim began Diana's training in skills and how to have fun with her instrument! For her, that was mastering the Sorccer's Apprentice, particularly the marching water buckets and brooms on the stairs! During middle school, Jim passed the instruction baton to John Kehayas, also from The Florida Orchestra. John saw Diana through all aspects of her music path including when she returned from her Masters training. Jim kept track of Diana's progress throughout and was involved during her two years of Masters work as his job was with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Diana was happy to be home in Florida teaching students, working on auditions and playing gigs. Ultimately, she was performing next to her teacher, John, in the Florida Orchestra on special opportunities. She was participating full and part time in other orchestras and specialty performances throughout the state. Six years ago, Diana began a new experience in TV Production work under Owner, Leigh Simons of Leigh Simons Productions, Safety Harbor, Florida. She excelled in everything from organizing the footage library to producing and everything associated with this profession. Being a sports fan, she particularly enjoyed the production work associated with Golden Boy Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, Glory Kickboxing and Bellator MMA. She attended most of the events and was able to meet many of the contenders. She even received signed boxing gloves! However, her family and friends were an important and necessary part of her life. Diana's sister, Sara and her best girlfriend Tiffany, known to many as "Twin", were the best of the best. These girls gleamed so much from Diana's love and support in every aspect of life. From school work to boyfriends, from everyday choices to life choices, she was there for them 24/7. Sara came into Diana's life six years younger so she continually looked up to her and wanted to be like her big sister. Diana is Sara's greatest advocate and Sara could not be more enamored with her sister. They loved hard and their relationship is always unconditionally covered in love, even when Diana wanted Sara to do her hair first when they were going out! Tiffany, "Twin", would never let Diana get too far away from her no matter where her music, production work and life took her. Inseparable since they met at one year old to the day of her traveling to heaven's gate, their life exuded in love, laughter and friendship. Whether it was bouncing with "Tigger" at Disney or joking during a walk on the beach, these girls demonstrated a true life long bond that would never be broken. Diana's brother, Darek, shared the rock side of music from Stryper to feature bands at House of Blues at Downtown Disney. They also enjoy their football rivalries as Darek, affectionally known as "D", was always a New England Patriots Fan and Diana was all about Peyton Manning and the Colts, then the Broncos! More Blue teams consumed them with the Tampa Bay Lightning taking top fun and there was no rivalry there! Travis, Diana's brother, blessed her with two amazing nephews, Garrett and Jaxon! Diana loved figuring what latest trend she could dress them in on holidays and Disney trips. Because of all the sports she was involved in there was always something to share and enjoy! Her beloved, Jeff Givens, is heartbroken after sharing only 9 months with Diana in an absolute whirlwind, one of a kind, kindred spirit and love-of-his life relationship. They were such a match and their families witnessed this and the exceptional change they saw in their lives. They were making so many plans for future activities, including a lifelong commitment. Jeff had written a song for her and with guitar in hand performed to her liking. Their song is "Story Book of Life". Vs 1: Life takes us many directions, seems there's not set way, There you were waiting to forever be in my life, I know it will never be soon enough to become my loving wife. Chorus: There you were standing out in the shining light. I was in in the dark and you came to make it bright. I would wait a hundred years to know you'd be mine. Now it's time write our very own story book of life. Vs 2: I will be there always for you through the end of life. I just want to take your hand and hold it all the time. I know we have been through so much already in our life. One thing remains the same, you always will be mine. Chorus Bridge: I Love you, I love you, I love you, I love you Chorus There you were….I was in the dark ……I will wait …… Now it's time….. Outro: I remember the day we met, a day I won't forget. Once I was lost and now you're by my side……'Till the end of time. Little did Jeff know when he wrote her this song that within months he would hold her hand as she flew to the sky. A true love story to be recorded in time and memory that will never go dark. Our deepest heartfelt thoughts extend to all family, friends, work associates and loved ones from Diana to you for the blessing we had for the days God gave her to us as His Gift. "JUST LIKE RIPPLES IN THE WATER, THE CIRCLES OF OUR LOVE EXTEND. WHAT WAS STARTED WITH THE FATHER IS A GIFT THAT HAS NO END. AND THE GIFT GOES ON AND ON AND ON ………………" A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers the link below is Diana's go fund me account to help with final expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/help-diana-beat-brain-tumor-by-tko?pc=em_db_co2876_v1