"To the family I give my condolences to all. Diane and the family has always been a family of mine me and Donna we grew up together our kids grew up together hung out together. Diane was a loving caring supportive mother aunt friend. She was always there for her boys and grandchildren and great.. There aren?t enough words to express the love I have for the family. She was a big sister to me as Debbie they were so close if you saw one you saw the other. Tyrese and Jamall you are truly blessed to have had your mother in your life . May my sister rest in heaven and go on to meet the other loved ones that left before her. God bless you all love you Ms FiFi Meshack."
In loving memory of
Diane Eliene Barnett
September 24, 1950 - July 6, 2020
Diane Eline Barnett was born as a twin on September 24, 1950, to Gladys and Otis Barnett in San Diego, California. Diane was the 2nd eldest child of nine children.
Diane received her formal education with the San Diego Unified School District. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1969. After graduation, she attended San Diego Community College. She began her career journey working for Solar Turbines, The Harambee House, UCSD, and the United States Postal Service.
Diane united in matrimony with her late husband Charles Williams in 1978. This union was blessed with two kings named Tyrese and Jamaal Williams. Diane was a wonderful and loving mother.
Diane loved cooking. She was the go-to person in the family for preparing turkey & dressing and she was also known for her macaroni salad. Diane enjoyed reading and she was a part of the Avid Reading Club. Diane liked watching Law and Order, CSI, and could hold a healthy conversation about politics; she was an avid watcher of MSNBC News. Her favorite sports teams were the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Diane was an amazing woman who didn't take any mess and expressed exactly how she felt. Diane was family-oriented; she treasured family gatherings and a good party. She was a supportive grandmother and aunt. She loved watching her boys, nephews, and grandchildren playing football and she was their #1 fan. Diane always attended extracurricular activities to support her family. She lived for her grandchildren, one thing for sure when you saw Diane she had at least one of her grandchildren or if not all of them with her.
Above all, Diane cherished the time she spent with her best friend and twin sister Debbie. They were always together. Although Diane was the younger of the two, her caring and supportive personality was always there to take care of her older sister of five minutes. They had a special connection and were inseparable. Diane and Debbie played an integral role in each other's life until Diane's last days.
On July 6, 2020, Diane gained her wings and was called home to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by: her parents Gladys and Otis Barnett, husband Charles Williams, and two brothers: Michael and Melvin Barnett.
Diane leaves to cherish her memory: her children Tyrese Williams (Malika) and Jamaal Williams; her siblings: her twin and best friend Debbie Barnett Hill (Robert), Donna Salaam, Marvin Barnett (Jackie), Delvin Barnett (Erma), Denise Bibby (Donald) of Troutville, VA, Martin Barnett (Kellie) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; eight grandchildren: Deon Winters, Bridget "Toi" Williams, Julius Williams, Tyrese Williams, Saiyvionn Williams, Antrell Williams, Jamaal Williams, Major Williams; seven great-grandchildren: Tiana Williams, Tyrese Williams, Nalani Williams, Denzel Williams, Dearan Williams, Damerien Williams, and Dominic Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus daughters, and friends. You will be greatly missed, Diane!
Tributes
"I have known Diane since we were 11 years old. She was always such a beautiful person and friend. We were blessed to go from 6 the grade to high school together. We were in the graduation class of 1969. I am sorry that we haven\'t seen each other for a few years. May God keep her family."
"I\'m going to miss seeing her smile at all the family gathering. And the conversation we us to have and that macaroni salad.i love u Diana R.I.H"
"I knew Debbie and Diane Barnett since I was 7 years old I thought the world of them both they were my 1st Twins Beautiful Sisters that I had ever met including the Twin Brothers Melvin and Delvin, I went to school with Donna which gave me the opportunity to meet the Barnett Twins and also my mother Dorothy knew there mother Gladys from San Diego High School , the Barnett Twins always greeted me with friendship I felt like they were my sisters too, I am so proud to have I met Diane who I MISS ALREADY my HEART GOES OUT TO DEBBIE,DONNA and the FAMILY. "
"Jamaal and Sayivionn Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you go thought your time of bereavement. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Teresa, Kris and Kris Jr"
"Tyreese & Jamaal,
Sorry for your loss. Your mother was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the both of you.
Always,
Debora Johnson-Crayton & family"