Dianna Chambers

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.