Diana Jean McCracken

Diana Jean McCracken, 77, of French Lick, Indiana, entered into eternal rest on February 18, 2026, at The Timbers of Jasper. Diana was born on March 5, 1948, to Cleo and Martha (Kelly) Wilson on the family farm in Bringhurst, Indiana. She was the youngest of three children. She attended Carroll County Schools and graduated in 1966 from Delphi High School after her original school, Camden High School, closed. Following graduation, she attended Huffer Beauty College and later owned and operated her own beauty salon.

Diana was raised in the church and was baptized on March 21, 1948, at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church. Over time, her faith became the guiding force of her life. That faith led her to answer God’s call into ministry, where she faithfully served as a United Methodist minister for more than 34 years. She worked diligently to become a minister. Although the Methodist Church granted full pastoral privileges to women in the 1950s, when Diana entered the ministry in 1986, only 9% of pastors were women. During her early appointments, some congregations expressed hesitation about having a woman pastor. Through perseverance, compassion, and strong leadership, she overcame those objections and ultimately became deeply loved by the congregations she served, who often expressed great sadness when she was reassigned. Throughout her ministry, she served multiple churches, including Hazleton United Methodist Church, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Erie United Methodist Church, Dupont United Methodist Church, Wayside United Methodist Church, Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Salem United Methodist Church. Diana was a devoted pastor who served with compassion and unwavering faith, dedicating her life to nurturing her congregations and strengthening communities across Indiana.

In addition to her pastoral work, she authored the book The Gospel According to Grandpa, honoring her close and cherished relationship with her grandfather. Diana loved serving God and the communities in which she lived. She held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and showered them with an overabundance of love.

She was proceeded in Death by her Parents: Cleo and Martha Wilson, Daughter - Lisa McCracken, and Brother - Gary Wilson.

Her funeral services will be held at:

Radnor United Methodist Church

2690 S. 585 W.

Delphi, Indiana 46923

(574) 721-9897

Date: March 14th, 2026 at 10:00am EST.

Diana is survived by her Daughter: Michelle Emmons (Mark) of French Lick, Indiana, her Son: Rob McCracken (Jackie) of Diamond Bar, California, her Sister: Dixie Ruman of Battleground, Indiana, her Grandchildren: Brittany Harkins, Isabel McCracken, Ethan (Crystal) Emmons, and Maya (Chad) Edwards, her Great Grandchildren: Caiden and Kane, and soon to be Great Grandson.

Psalm 23 King James Version

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.