W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Diane Nelson Stokes, 67, of Louisville transitioned on July 28, 2023 at Norton Audubon Hospital.

Visitation 11-1 Friday, August 4, 2023 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 1pm. Burial Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery.

Diane Nelson Stokes was born Monday, July 23, 1956, in Louisville, Kentucky, to proud parents Patience Tillman and David Tillman. She was the second of their five children. Diane accepted Christ and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church at the tender age of 10 and began her Christian journey. In her adult years, she worshipped at Forest Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Educated in the Jefferson County Public School System, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1974, and enrolled in cosmetology school to become a licensed cosmetologist. She loved to sing, cook, dance, and was the life of almost any party. Diane never let grass grow under her feet, but when she did have some spare time, she watched her soap operas, lifetime movies, and a few reality shows, but more than anything, she enjoyed watching a good, entertaining DVD.

She was an excellent cook and used this skill more than just at home. Diane was employed by Our Lady of Peace as a cook in their dietary unit, and she worked there until she retired. At home, her meals were legendary, especially her barbequed chicken and ribs. Everything she cooked was awesome!

It did not take Jeffery Stokes long to catch the eye of his soon-to-be sweetheart, Diane, who became his wife on July 23, 1991. Together they were blessed to raise two sons, Gabriel and Tyrone. Their honeymoon lasted over 32 years. Amazingly, they were married on Diane’s birthday, and it was also his mother’s birthday. Birthday or anniversary, only one date to remember----- wow! Once a week, the couple would go to a movie and out to dinner at their favorite place, Golden Corral.

On July 28, 2023, five days after her 67th birthday and her 32nd wedding anniversary with Jeffrey, Diane Nelson Stokes departed this life. She leaves to cherish their memories of: her husband, Jeffery Stokes; two sons, Gabriel Nelson (Tonya) and Tyrone Stokes; parents, David and Patience Tillman; siblings, Gloria Hales (Ronald), Lorraine Stevens (Roosevelt, Jr.), William Tillman (Lisa), Allison “Vickie” Tillman and Pamela Tillman; grandson, Xavier Johnson; nieces, Shamona, LaQuesha (Joseph), Brittany, and Scarlett; nephews, Roosevelt III, Davon, Micah, Jeremiah, Alvondo, Elijah, Kelvon, Kyrin, and Kamron; sister-in-law, Vanessa Stokes; best friends, Teresa, Yolanda, Marsha and Vivian; along with a host of other relatives and friends. Diane Nelson Stokes will be missed!