'She will never fade away': Cresson gathers for Diana Jones' dedication ceremony

CRESSON — The Diana Jones Memorial Training Center in Cresson was packed Saturday afternoon during the private dedication ceremony of fallen firefighter Diana Jones.

The ceremony was in honor of naming the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) training center in Jones’ memory. An electronic sign was also constructed in front of the newly named “Diana Jones Memorial Training Center.” The sign was lit up for the first time on Saturday.

While helping fight one of the California wildfires on Aug. 31, 2020, Jones died in an accident while repositioning her truck during a firefight. Jones was 63 and had been a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) for five years prior to her death.

Several Hood County residents paid their respects Saturday, as well as Jones’ family members and fellow CVFD members.

Speakers at the ceremony included Cresson Mayor Teena Conway, Hood County Judge Ron Massingill, Parker County Judge Pat Deen, Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds and John Knox, minister for the Granbury Church of Christ and a chaplain for first responders. A choral group from Texas Christian University also provided appropriate music.

“Diana meant a lot to not only those of you who have shared a loving relationship with her, but those on the fire department too,” Becker said, opening the ceremony. “People say, ‘Well after there's been a loss, time helps, turn the page and move ahead on.’ We want to make sure that when we turn pages as the days go forward, that we still remember the earlier pages in the book, which was the time we got the joy of being with Diana and having her help. We always want to remember the earlier chapters and part of that is our ability to remember the contributions of Diana Jones.”

Conway read a touching memorial poem in honor of Jones.

“A golden heart stopped beating.

Hard working hands at rest.

It broke our hearts to see you go.

But God only takes the best.

They say that memories are golden.

Well, maybe that's true.

But we never wanted memories.

We only wanted you.

Your life was loved and labored.

Your love for your family true.

And you did the best for all of us.

We will always remember you,” she read.

Knox described Jones as having a “servant’s heart.” He said we are giving back to Jones by “naming this building in her memory,” but that she is also giving back to us.

“She made a lifelong impression on those of us who knew her and loved her. Nobody can take that away from any of us, ever,” he said. “The impression and the influence that she made in each of our lives, nobody can ever, ever take that away from us.”

Deen said he did not get the opportunity to meet Jones but said the “name is fitting and sets the stage for what this building stands for.”

Massingill also said he did not know Jones very well, but upon reflection, realized he knew her through her sons.

“They’re honorable, hardworking, trustworthy citizens, who also give back to the community and have a servant's heart — just like their mother. That doesn't come just accidentally; that comes by example. So, having four boys, and all of them turned out that well, it's a major accomplishment, but then to see what this community has done, how they all honor Diana Jones, that's really special,” he said. “She will never fade away. Her memory will be there forever.”

Deeds also joined Massingill in saying he didn’t know Jones very well, but joked he loved her desserts.

“I’m very privileged to know her kids and the rest of the fire department family,” he said. “This is a great memorial to her that nobody will ever forget.”

Knox then read the “word of dedication” speech, acknowledged that Jones would want them to “build friendships and camaraderie among themselves in the building” and to commit themselves to “keeping this building well-maintained, neat and tidy — with the full realization Diana would expect nothing less.”

Knox said on Easter Sunday in 2020, he had a little exchange with Diana, in which he told her every morning when he gets up, he prays and asks the Lord to lead him to whoever he needs to meet that day. He believes the Lord led him to meet Jones.

Jones also messaged Knox and sent him a prayer that she prayed every morning that was taped to her bathroom mirror. Knox closed the ceremony with that same prayer — a prayer that he called “fitting” for the occasion.

Knox prayed, “Lord thank you for the blessings you give me. Let me be where you want me to be. Let me do what you want me to do. Let me see what you want me to see. Let me think what you want me to think and Lord, please keep me out of your way.”

The Diana Jones Memorial Training Center is located at 9401 E. U.S. Highway 377 in Cresson. Two walls dedicated to Jones in the building contain photos and memorabilia from her time with CVFD.