She was born June 20, 1998 in Chambersburg.
Diondra will be lovingly remembered by her mother, AnnMarie L. Laban; father, Daniel King; brother, Gavyn King; other siblings, Norah, Noah and Eva; maternal grandmother, Donna Brown; maternal grandfather, Richard and Karen Laban; paternal grandmother, Mary Houser; paternal grandfather, David King; and her best friend, Taylor Meli. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Dennis Brown.
As a young girl, Diondra developed a love for the water and became quite a proficient swimmer winning numerous medals. She was always an animal lover, growing up with the family pug Gracie and later an assortment of her own personal pet felines Carl, Sassy, Todd, Lil Gray, Smoky, Bandit and most recently her dog Bear.
As she moved into her college years, her love of children drove her to pursue a degree in early childhood education. Her work at Happy Hollow Daycare in Dauphin cemented her commitment to working with children.
She demonstrated her skills with arts and crafts of any kind. Her joy was not only in completing a project but sharing her crafts with others. She loved hiking, going to the beach, watching game shows with Nana and just hanging out with her brother Gavyn.
Diondra’s unique and special relationship with her brother Gavyn developed even before he heroically gave Diondra a life-saving bone marrow transplant during their early childhood. This special bond between the two of them continued to cultivate over the years with mutual respect and sibling love for each other.
The most memorable thing about Diondra was her uncanny effect she had on everyone! She displayed an exceptional degree of emotional maturity and selflessness. Even as she was aware her time was short she spent the day bringing joy to her family and friends. She was keenly aware of the needs of others and she always put them before herself. Regardless of her complicated health challenges, Diondra continued to show empathy for others. She radiated a beautiful spirit.
Diondra will always own a special place in the hearts of her grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Above all Diondra loved her mom. She was her best friend, strongest advocate, confidant and companion.
A visitation will be held on Friday March 11, 2022 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A second viewing will be held on Saturday March 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg. Burial will take place immediately after at Paxtang Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Gavyn King, Richard Laban, David Laban, Andrew Laban, Noah Ulrich, Marcus Whitstyne, Renard Hazelton and Harrell Hazelton
Contributions may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America, P.O. Box 98160, Washington DC 20090-8160 or to the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, 1249 Cocoa Ave., Suite 115 Hershey, PA 17033-0852.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neillharrisburg.com for the Laban-King family.
