Diane Harris, age 65, was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 12, 1956 and departed this life on July 9th, 2021 at her home surrounded by her husband and children.
Diane worked for 33 years for the United States Postal Service as a mail clerk and retired in 2016. She enjoyed her retirement and kept busy. She spent her retirement traveling, volunteering at Toll Gate Elementary, babysitting with her sister Jean, taking care of both her sister Verlena and brother Melvin, joining Nurse’s Corp at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. There was never an event too small that she did not attend. From the grandchildren’s births, first day of school, recitals, games, grandparent day, graduations, birthday parties and more. She made sure to be present for the ones she loved.
There was not a day that went by that she allowed her diagnosis to stop her from fully living her life and remaining faithful to the Lord. Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, 2018 and 2020. Since her diagnosis in 2011 she’s traveled to Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cayman Island, California, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Mississippi. She witnessed the birth of her grandchildren Michelle in 2011, MaKenzie in 2015 and great grandchild Tevon in 2017. Regardless of her children’s apprehension, she got her motorcycle license when she was 60 and rode all over Columbus with her riding buddy Arlanda Lewis. This past year despite being quite sick she went to Kentucky in April, she attended Michelle and MaKenzie’s recital, a karate lesson and horseback riding show, she went to her niece’s birthday party and witnessed her youngest daughter, LaVeta, pick out her wedding dress and venue.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents Allen and Dorothy Johnson, first husband James W. Burke, son James T. Burke, and siblings Verlena (James) Headd, Melvin Johnson, Louis Johnson, O.C. Johnson, Lee Arthur Johnson, and William (Patricia) Johnson.
Diane is survived by her husband Robert A. Harris, children James Watson, Melissa (David) Jackson, LaTisha (Kenon) Simon, LaMar Harris, Nadia Harris, Demetrius Burke, Dion Burke, Mary (Thomas) Paige, and LaVeta Burke; sister Dorothy J (LeRoy) Brown; brother James A. (Mary) Johnson: 21 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1775 W. Broad St. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Union Cemetery Association. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
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I had the pleasure of working with Diane at the Post Office. She was one of the kindest, hard working person I have ever worked with. Her family meant everything to her. After the tragic loss of her son & 1st husband I was glad to see her find happiness again when she remarried. I was not able to attend but she looked beautiful in the wedding dress I was able to give her to wear. My heart is heavy for her family & friends. I take comfort in knowing she is in a good place, she was a very good person.
To the Family of Mrs. Diane Harris,
I’m extremely saddened to read about Diane’s passing. I send my deepest sympathy & condolences. Diane had such a very special, kind, caring, loving, generous, happy, & gentle spirit. She truly loved & adored her Family. She was always smiling & that’s what I’ll remember most about her. I will keep your Family lifted in prayer during this extremely difficult time. I pray that the love, peace, grace, & comfort of JESUS CHRIST which surpasses all understanding shall rest upon every member of your Family in JESUS’ Mighty Glorious Name. Amen ❤️
We didn’t know Ms. Diane long, but she welcomed my whole family into her heart, home and her family without hesitation! I’m grateful for her acceptance of us. We were blessed to have known her. Her love runs deep throughout her family. My prayers for all that have known this wonderful woman of God.
You was alway kind to me treated like fam, your sons and daughter are like my family! Great woman and you will be missed love Cam
To the Harris Family,
Diane is one of my dearest friends, we had some memorable times and conversations while working at the Post Office for many years. After we both retired we stayed in touch and attended luncheons together. She always had a gentle and kind spirit, and will always remain in my ♥️ heart.
Missing my friend, RIP, see you on the other side. Love always!
Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing of auntie Diane but please accept our condolences and we will be sure to include her in our daily prayers. She was always kind to Shay and I and always encouraged us to do better and be better. She will be greatly missed love you and take your rest Jones family
Aunt Diane was one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met, from a young child she showed me what a strong resilient independent woman was like. She and her lovely upbeat beautiful spirit will be terribly missed in our family. Rest In Peace Beautiful ❤️❤️
Heartfelt prayers and condolences to ALL the family remember
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth…Psalm 115:12-15…we may fell like it not so in times crisis like this but be confident…for it is so…WE ARE BLESSED OF THE LORD EVEN NOW!…Family love…Malcom C. Briley II[aka…Little M.C.]
Diane had a kind and sweet sweet spirit, and always a radiant smile
I worked with her for many years at Post Office. and later was thrilled when she joined my church and then saw her every Sunday, She will be missed,.Prayers to family