Dianna Marie (Cardwell) Chambers, age 69, transitioned from this life on Friday, July 3, 2020 at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Dianna was born in Coaldale, West Virginia, November 22, 1950, to William Cardwell Sr. and Arretta (Hunter) Cardwell. At the age of 9, she moved to Columbus to live with her aunt and uncle, Betty Mae and Fred Huffman. After graduating from Columbus East High School, c/o 1968, “Go Tigers!” she received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from Central State University. She was an active student leader and even prouder Marauderette (Drill Team) “For God, For Central, For State!!” She went on to earn her Masters degree in 1978 and in 1990 was a Ph.D. candidate of The Ohio State University. “Go Bucks!” She always valued the importance of an education, so it was no surprise that she became a teacher. Diane was always extremely outgoing and wanted to make a difference in her community. She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter. Her line sisters, “The Industrious Eleven” are still going strong and she always rocked her pink and green! Along with the sorority, she was an active member of the East High School Alumni. A member and past President of the Central State Alumni. She was in the Knights of Pythias (Fraternal Lodge) and many other educational groups. She also belonged to New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. She loved to travel and socialize with everyone. After she “retired” she volunteered as an usher at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium. Some of her passions included: bowling, card games, talking of the phone and she would host the best parties!!
In 1973, Dianna married James Chambers, Jr. and in 1975 they gave birth to Nicole Renee Chambers, their only child. She then became “Grandma” to three wonderful and beloved grandsons and through Nicole’s marriage she had a total of 7 grandchildren and was Great-Grandmother of 3.
Dianna, a proud educator of Columbus Public Schools, retired after 33 years. She was adored by all her students. In 2002, she won the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” In addition to receiving multiple awards of appreciation, she was a Track Coach, Cheerleading Advisor, Yearbook Coordinator, Drill Team Advisor, Mentor, Great-Grandmother, Grandma and MOTHER.
Dianna was preceded in death by her parents William and Arretta Cardwell Sr., her brothers, William Cardwell Jr., Roland Cardwell, Wade Cardwell, Phillip Cardwell and Michael Cardwell.
Dianna leaves to cherish and celebrate her life: her daughter, Nicole (Andre) Lofton; grandchildren Ashley Lofton, Andre Lofton II, Andrew Lofton, Anthony Lofton, Alexander Chambers, A’lijah Chambers, Adam Chambers; great-grandchildren Hartley Buechner, Trenton Lofton and Trinity Lofton, Columbus, OH; sisters, Justine (Stanley L.) Turner, Jacksonville, FL, Sheryl Cardwell Moyer, Joan Randolph; brothers, Leon (Belinda) Cardwell, Roosevelt (Teresa) Cardwell, Charles Cardwell and Raymond Cardwell, Columbus, OH, host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and community of friends. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.
Private Services entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.
To Nicole and all the family of my dear sorority sister, Diana my prayers are with you during this difficult time. Know that we are with you and send our condolences to all of the family. Sincerely, Pamela Slater
Nicole, Lofton Family, Sheryl and Family….Our hearts are sadden with the passing of our educator, sorority sister and friend. Prayers for guidance, wisdom, grace, precious memories and definitely virtual hugs extended to your family. Joe Allen and Barbara Motley
To the family, my sincere sympathy for your loss. Prayers up for you Nicole and the rest of the family. God bless and keep you string during this trying time.
Sincerely
Gloria Miller
My prayers are with you and your family. God bless Dianna.
Roxie Goodlett
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Nicole, Andre, kids and the Chambers family. We love you and are praying for you during this time and the days to come. May God grant you comfort and peace.
The Jones Family (Otis, Sharon, Daniel and Nathaniel)
To the family of Diane, my prayers and condolences to you as you are experiencing such a loss. It saddens me as well to know that our of our business teacher has gone home to be with the Lord. God bless you and keep you in perfect peace.
Beverly A. Joiner
Nicole we were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Nicole,
You and yours remain in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I love your mom and I am so very sorry.
I am here when you need me.
Always your Sister,
Teri
Nicole,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my love and prayers to you. God Bless ❤️
Sorry to hear about the loss of your family members. Praying that Jesus will wipe away all tears, comfort you, and give you peace. I have many fond memories of Diane, we worked together in CCS for a number of years. She was a great Educator. Rest on my Sister in the Arms of the Lord.
My prayers are with the family. You have my deepest sympathy!
To Nicole and the Family of Dianne, my prayers and condolences goes out to you and your family. May Dianne now rest in peace. God bless you Dianne, my friend since our days back at Central State University in our Business Education classes. My co-worker at Independence High School teaching together.
Love you Nicole and God bless.
Rosanne Chilton
Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful to have had such a great and beautiful aunt like Aunt Diane. Although she will be missed, she will never be forgotten. I will continue to keep you and our family uplifted in prayer. I love you and God loves you more ❤❤
Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful to have had a great and beautiful aunt like Aunt Diane. Although she may be gone from the physical, she will always be with us in spirit, and remembered for her compassion, the love she shared with us all, and her big heart that matched her beautiful smile. I will continue to keep you and our family uplifted in prayer. ❤
Nicole,
The Hawkins family offers it deepest condolences and prayers. God bless you a d family. She was extremely loved.
Nicole,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have had an amazing aunt like aunt Dianne. She really inspired me at such a young age. She was truly a beautiful person and will be missed. You will be in my prayers. Love you
I’m sorry for your loss. Dianna was a great classmate. We shared similar last names and used to tease each other. It was nice to see the video outlining all of her many achievements. She certainly led a full life and I know she will be missed.
With greatest sympathy
Nicole and family. I am so sorry for your loss, Diane was a great mother, grandmother, godmother to my kids and friend she will be missed. R.I.P. my friend until we meet again.