My Aunt Diane was a beautiful, wise, and caring person, and an amazing aunt. She was kind and thoughtful.  She was a great listener; truly listened without interrupting. She was brave and patient – she taught many of us how to drive 😊. She was fun and laughed often. She was adventurous - up for road trips with only a moment’s notice. I will dearly miss this wonderful person who answered the phone with a cheerful hello. Her spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of those she impacted.

Diane became a member of the William McIntosh Chapter, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) on April 12, 2003.  Since that time she has been a loved and valued member of the chapter.  She was always there to help in whatever capacity she could.  She served as Veterans' Service Chairperson for many years, collecting and distributing lap robes for veterans in nursing homes.  In 2014 she was awarded the DAR Outstanding Community Service medal for her loving and devoted service to her inner-city Atlanta neighbors and neighborhood.  An example of how she affected the youth that she mentored was shown when one of her "kids," who is now in the Army, flew home from Germany to be with her in her final days. 

Diane and I shared an apartment for a while when we were young, and we were travelling companions. We explored Europe together and went to Greece, Crete, the Bahamas and New Orleans. We had a great many adventures and loved reminiscing about them. Years later, just a mention of some things could make us laugh. The picture below was taken in August of 2019. Diane loved the beach so much, but it had been years since she had been on one. She, Janet, Ed and I went to Jekyll Island for a few days, and it was wonderful seeing her enjoy the beach again. Watching the moon rise over the ocean is a memory we said we would always cherish. It turned out to be our last trip together.
Diane would do anything for anybody and often stepped in to help without being asked. She was always there for Ed, me, our daughters and grandsons. She loved going with me to move Cathy and Emily into their colleges, helping to make the long trips to Ohio and Memphis fun and easier, as well as sharing my tears at leaving my daughters. She always took care of our pets and plants when we went out of town and did similar things for our brothers and other sisters.
She lived in a high crime area and mentored a few boys from the time they were young teenagers, giving them a safe, welcoming place to go after school. She fed them, counseled them, and when they got older took them to their jobs and to college. They all graduated from college and now have good jobs. She had a big influence on their lives, as she did on so many others - mine included.
Diane lost her husband Doug last year. I like to think that she and Doug are together again and maybe dancing Zydeco among the stars. 
Thank you for all the love you gave to us, Diane. You know you were loved in return and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, my beloved sister and friend. May light perpetual shine upon you.  

Cesar and I first met Diane at Paul East funeral. She was one of the first people to introduce herself to us with a big hug. She was such an outgoing person and treated us as though we were part of the family. We followed each other on Facebook and her and Cesar loved each other's political views. We would always joke about her icon photo on her Facebook page of the little possum..She had the greatest sense of humor. Her sister Gail and I have been friends for quite a few years now. I'm so blessed to have met Diane and we are going to miss her so deeply. I know we will be meeting again. Love and miss you ❤️💐

She was a wonderful person and friend. She will be greatly missed. 

Many years back, I discovered that my husband shared a family line with  a very special Gordon family.  We visited with Gail,Paul and Gail's father many times, loved to hear about his huge arrowhead collection. After my husband's death,  I was still invited to Christmas and  Easter dinners which I enjoyed so much. This is such a loving, caring family and make you feel so welcome.  Sweet Diane told  me  I had to come on Easter because  my name was  on a special egg that she hid.  I will always remember her hugs and sweet smile  whenever we saw each other.  Rest in Peace, you certainly earned  it for all you did while here.

" But how do you thank someone who's taken you from crayons to perfume?"  One of my earliest memories with my sister Diane is having my left leg pinned by her right shoulder as she drove.  Little did I know then her tiny shoulder of protection was the same shoulder for so many others to lean on , cry on and embrace. She genuinely changed lives for the better  everywhere she lived and worked.  I'm grateful she shared her wisdom, love and right arm seat belt with me throughout life. Surely there's another star in the night's sky, because her brlllance is no longer on Earth.

Diane was a great friend to me for 50 years. She was always there when you needed her. We had great times together. She was a special lady and I will miss her every day. 

My Aunt Diane was one of the kindest, coolest, strongest, most generous and loving people to ever live. If you knew her, you knew she was your biggest supporter, no matter what you were doing. She was the first one there when things went wrong, and the first one there when things went right. The days seem a little darker without her bright presence, but I will be forever thankful that for so many years I got to laugh, learn, play, talk, grow, and love with the absolute best aunt. Rest peacefully, Aunt Diane. Thank you for all you gave to so many. You will forever be in my heart, mind, and spirit. 

I have such fond memories of Diane. Such a sweet and gentle friend. Love and prayers to her family ❤️

I remember when I first met Mrs. Diane! My Kids would go outside to play and I would tell them not to leave out the yard. Well as soon as I went in the house they would run down Mrs. Diane house. I would go outside to check on them and they would be nowhere to be found. I would call them TessieQwayQuen and they would come running up the street. I never seen where they would be running from so one day I decided to go to the side porch to see. I seen them running from Mrs. Diane house and I said to them, stay from down there and leave them alone. Boy why did I say that, Mrs. Diane came up the street with one hand on her hip and the other in the air waving that one finger around saying No no don’t stop them from coming down my house. You have some good kids they are very respectful and mannerable kids. From that day Mrs. Diane became My Kids Grandmother. If anyone would ask who she was to them she would say their Grandmother. Mrs. Diane loved My Kids as if they were indeed hers and she has seen My Kids graduate from elementary, high school, college, and seen one go off to the army!! Mrs. Diane has been there for My Kids more than my own family has. Mrs. Diane was My Kids Grandmother and My Bestfriend!! Me and all 5 of My Kids are going to miss Mrs. Diane. I never knew someone on the outside can love Me and My Kids more than anyone I know did!! Mrs. Diane was a blessing to us and I would always say I appreciate you so much Mrs. Diane and she would say no I appreciate you for letting your Kids be apart of my life!! WE LOVE YOU MRS. DIANE ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!!! 😘🤗❤️💙🙏🏾🙌🏾

I'll miss your morning calls and will remember all the times we've shared together in the past 77 years. You were a good sister and an inspiration to many people. I made you a promise when we began this final journey & I hope I kept it to your satisfaction.

OBITUARY

Diane Elaine Stephens

11 March, 1943 – 27 November, 2020

Haisten Funerals & Cremations

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