Family tributes to high street florist of 50 years
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Harborne florist known for her “infectious smile” after her death at the age of 84.
Great-grandmother Diane Jones, 84, ran the Diane Lawson florists in the High Street for decades before retiring six years ago.
The family-run business is said to be the longest-running store on Harborne High Street.
Mrs Jones, who suffered a stroke, leaves behind two children, two grandchildren and one great-grandson.
She originally opened the shop with her husband Lawson 50 years ago.
The couple lived in Handsworth Wood and Great Barr, before finally settling in Lichfield during their 64 years of marriage.
They enjoyed spending most weekends relaxing in Dartmouth on their boat.
Daughter Nicola, now the owner of Diane Lawson, told the Post: “Mum was very popular – very outgoing. She was fun-loving and had an infectious smile.
“She was bubbly, cheeky and funny. You’d hear her laughing before you even saw her.
“It’s been wonderful to read everyone’s tributes online. We were shocked when she passed. Mum sadly wasn’t able to meet her greatgrandson because she was too poorly.”
She added: “We’re the longestrunning shop on the high street. We’ve been here for around 50 years.
“The shop first opened on the other side of the road, before we
opened the one we have now. We ran both for a while. It’s a family tradition.”
Nicola’s partner Mark added: “Diane was an absolutely lovely lady and had a very cheeky laugh. She could always tell a funny story or two – she was a bit of a comedian.
“We will all miss her very much. Out of this sadness is some happiness though – her grandson Joe recently had a baby boy, and her granddaughter Emily is getting married next year.”
Julie Mason, who worked with Mrs Jones, said: “There are no words to express the sadness we feel, but we know Diane is at peace now.
“She was a massive character in Harborne, an amazing florist and a total legend.
“Beautiful lady, inside and out. She will always be in our hearts forever.”
Mrs Jones’ funeral will took place on Wednesday at Longdon’s St James The Great Church, in Staffordshire.