S Diane Wilson Hawes

Diane Wilson Hawes was born in Princeton, Kentucky on July 15,1948 to the late S.W. [Doug] and Minnie Mae Wilson. She professed her love for Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. W.R. Brown, Sr. She entered Eternal Peace and Rest on January 18, 2021 at the golden age of 72.

Diane went to Central High School where she was in the graduating class of 1966. She met the love of her life- Arthur Lee Hawes- and they were married on June 29,1968. Their union was a special one, they even shared the same birthdate of July 15th.
She was a beautiful person inside and out. A godly woman who was not afraid to let the light of Christ shine through and around her for all to see. One whose love knew no bounds, Diane was a woman of determined faith that served the Lord diligently and remained actively involved throughout her life in many church affiliations; The President of the Matrons, of Circle Deborah and of the WMU. She was the Finance Treasurer for the Southern District Women’s Auxiliary, the head of the Culinary Department for Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, The Benevolence Committee and Tutoring. In 2005 she was honored as New Hope Woman of the Year- a deserving title for a woman of great virtue.

Diane loved to travel and in January 2009 helped plan the trip to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of America’s first African American President, Barack Obama. She truly lived in the moment and left a piece of her shining light everywhere she went. She loved entertaining and being around family and friends- hosting fish-fry’s, bar-be-que’s, or grand Sunday dinners. She was a great homemaker and raised her family in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Diane was a spectacular daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister-friend. She enjoyed spending time with her Ebone ’66 friends and her precious Circle Deborah sisters. She brought them as much joy as they did her.

Mama Di, or D as she was affectionately called adopted innumerable friends and cousins as her sisters and brothers and her children’s friends as her own. She shared whatever she had with her family and friends. Cooking, baking, and feeding people was one of her favorite things to do, but that thing called Shopping… Mama Di was an avid shopper and was skillfully frugal. Whenever there was a sale at her favorite stores, there was no doubt massive saving were gained. If there were 3 cents to be saved, Diane Hawes saved it, and dressed like she spent a million bucks!

Diane is survived by her children Daphine, Ta’Nia, Raechele, Brian and Bronson Hawes, TaShawna Long, and Addrianne Miles. Grandchildren Indie Thompson [Toshio Rankin], Elicia Carrethers, Sequoia Slaughter and Korey Miles. Great Grandchildren Niya Thompson, Toshio Rankin II, Kayori Rankin, and her sweet newest addition that she called “Baby Love”, Akane Rankin. She is also survived by her uncle Gailespa Brooks and a host of family and friends throughout the city. She is preceded in death by her Earthly Love of 48 years, Arthur Lee Hawes, parents S.W. [Doug] and Minnie Mae Wilson and her sister Ruby Emma Wilson.

Diane Wilson Hawes was a Pampered Queen, the Epitome of the Proverbs 31 Woman. She was well loved and will be greatly missed by many.