Mrs. Diane Harris

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.