Margaret Diane Denison, affectionately known as Diane by her family and friends and “DD” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Sulphur, La., passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2025. Her love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and those she held dear will forever cherish her memory.

Diane was born on Jan. 6, 1935, in Coffeyville, Kan. After WWII, her family moved to the planned community of Maplewood, so her father could work at Cities Service. Diane lived in the Maplewood area of Sulphur for the remainder of her life, including attending Sulphur High School, where she graduated near the top of her class and was the Homecoming Queen.  Diane continued her friendships from high school for the rest of her life. This includes lifelong friend, Nina Vincent, who helped Diane perfect her Cajun Dishes.  

After attending the University of Houston, Diane married John “Spike” Scofield.  They had four sons, George (“Tac”), Jeff, Scott, and Bryan.  Later, Diane married Gene Denison, a wonderful, kind-hearted man who passed away in 2009.

Diane was a very involved mother, teaching her sons how to read, ensuring they made their many sports practices and games on time and completed their homework.

Diane was a loving mother, wife, and dedicated member of her community. She was a charter member and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, which she joined at 13.  Her community involvement extended to various organizations, including the Junior League of Lake Charles, Planter’s League of Lake Charles, and Krewe of Mystique, where her presence was always felt and her contributions greatly appreciated.

Diane’s love for life was evident in her many passions. As a devoted participant in Bible Study Fellowship and Sunday School class at Westminster, her love for studying God’s Word was unmatched. Her passion for gardening was evident, as she could often be found pruning bushes, pulling weeds, and tending to her beloved tomatoes and satsumas. Her zest for life was also apparent in her love for cooking, where she lovingly prepared her famous homemade pies and Cajun dishes. These passions reflected her vibrant spirit and love for life.

Diane and Gene spent many days fishing at his camp on Toledo Bend. Diane and Gene enjoyed having their family join them, spending time on the water, and playing games with their grandchildren. Gene and Diane also loved trout fishing at the Roaring River in Missouri, where Gene often let her outfish him. Diane worked as a travel agent, which engendered a love for travel and allowed her to travel worldwide with Gene and friends. Diane and Gene also loved to play tennis at the Lake Charles Racquet Club. Diane’s teams competed in state tournaments and went to the finals one year.

Diane’s love for her family was evident in her cooking. Her homemade chocolate pie was a favorite among her children and grandchildren, and she always had one ready to eat when they came home for their many visits. She loved cooking and entertaining at home, making oyster dishes, crawfish dishes, and gumbo. Every Christmas Eve, Diane hosted a fabulous party featuring roasted prime rib, oyster casserole, spinach Madeline, crawfish cornbread, and many other sides and desserts.  

Diane had a refreshingly sharp and candid sense of humor. She had an extraordinary knack for bringing joy to those around her with her witty quips and playful banter. It was one of the many ways she expressed her love, making life brighter and creating a sense of warmth and endearment that we all were lucky to be a part of. Her lighthearted and generous spirit will be deeply missed, but she will live on through the laughter and many moments of love she shared with her friends and family.

Those left to cherish her memory are sons, George W. Scofield and his wife, Cynthia, of San Antonio, Texas, Jeff B. Scofield and his wife, Bobbie, of Summerville, S.C., Scott J. Scofield and his wife, Eileen of Lake Charles, La., Bryan D. Scofield and his wife, Kelly, of Lafayette, La. and stepsons, Scott Denison and his wife, Denise, of Sulphur, La., and Steve Denison of Iowa, La.; grandchildren, Crosby Scofield and wife, Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren, Grace and Crosby Jr., Suzannah Gosch and husband, Kevin, and great-granddaughter Reya; Dr. Harrison Scofield and wife, Sterett and great-grandsons, Coyle and Pierce; Jessica Scofield and fiancé, Jeff Burger, Ginger Scofield Blaas and husband, Karel, and great-grandson, Royal, James Scofield and wife, Michelle, and great-grandson, Jones, Vaughn Scofield and wife, Elizabeth, Dr. Brad Scofield and wife, Dr. Olivia Scofield, Bryan David Scofield, Samuel Scofield and wife, Andrea and Alex Scofield; step-grandchildren, Hannah Grogan and husband, Adam, Caitlan Guillory and husband, Justin, Carrie Marler and husband, Jared. 

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and George Coyle; her former husband, John Scofield; her husband, Gene Denison, and her brother, George Coyle.  

Diane’s family is deeply grateful to her exceptional caregivers, including Felicia, Sheila, Peggy, Laura, Jennie, and Kristin, who lovingly and compassionately cared for Diane throughout her ‘long goodbye.’ They also appreciate the support of Harbor Hospice for striving to make her last days comfortable.

Diane’s memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 301 Center Circle in Sulphur on Jan. 25, 2025, beginning at 2 p.m.  Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sulphur, La., in her honor and memory.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.