Diane Elaine Baxter, affectionately known as "Pee Wee", was born on June 18, 1948, in Washington, D.C. to Oliver and Beatrice Bumbry. She was their pride and joy, and her mother lovingly nicknamed her "Button."
Diane was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School in 1966. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Management in 1972 and a Master of Business Administration in 1974, both from Howard University.
Diane began her career at IBM and later retired as Manager/Quality Assurance Engineer from Lockheed Martin in 2012.
Diane accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized on May 19, 1964, at Gethsemane Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. George Roosevelt Yancey. Diane was the great-granddaughter of the founder of Gethsemane, Rev. James Thomas Harvey, of which she was immensely proud. During her 60 years as a member, she served faithfully in many capacities until her death.
As a child she was in the Junior Choir under the direction of her aunt Marjorie Coates Brown. She was also a Junior Missionary and active in Sunday School. As a young adult she was a member of the G. R. Yancey Ensemble, Unit 6 (later named the Tribe of Naphtali), and the church's bowling league.
Her adult years found her singing with the Angelic Voices and Mass Choir. Her leadership roles included serving as Youth Director, member of the Board of Christian Education and Vacation Bible School Arts and Crafts teacher. At the time of her untimely passing she was Vice Chair of the Trustee Board, President of the Progressive Ministry, and an active member of the Intermediate Usher Board, Women's Ministry, Culinary Ministry, Adult Sunday School Class #4, and the Tribe of Naphtali.
In addition, Diane served on two Pastoral Search Committees from 2001-2003 and 2021-2023.
Diane's other educational and social memberships included:

•    Xi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
•    Monumental Women for the Arts - The Society, Inc. (Charter Member)
•    The Emanons, Inc.
•    Friends of Moses Hall, Inc. (President, Board of Directors)
•    Bowling Leagues
•    Calvin Coolidge High School Alumni Association
•    African American Special Interest Group
•    African American Historical Genealogy Society
•    Women of Whist/1st Thursdays Bid Whisters

Diane met the love of her life, Lamont, and they were united in holy matrimony on May 15, 1982. She and Lamont enjoyed traveling and bowling together and were faithful members of the Married Couples Ministry at Gethsemane.
Diane loved to bowl, play cards, eat crabs, cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, and entertain friends in her home. Diane developed an interest in genealogy and was inspired to learn more about her family roots. She also took the time to share this research experience with others. Diane was a loving and caring "Sister" to so many people.
Early Tuesday morning on the 7th day of January 2025, Diane peacefully transitioned to her eternal resting place.
Diane leaves to cherish her memory a devoted and loving husband, Lamont; son, Lamont (Kelli); sister, Jackie Smith; two sister-in-laws Creola (Tyrone) Poole and Gloria (Don) Hedgepath; her one and only godson, Michael Hayes; a caring uncle, Rev. James E. (Marcia) Coates; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

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