Celebrate and reflect on our beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Aunt, Cousin, Grand and Great Grandmother, friend to us all and truly a child of God.

Sunrise October 22, 1958 - Sunset April 25th 2025

Ms. Diane D. Hairston, also known as "The Lady Queen Di" departed this earthly realm on April 25th, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family and friends, after she defied the odds, and bravely fought to the very end of her battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Diane was born on October 22, 1958, to her predeceased parents Samuel Lee Hairston and Dorthy Watkins-Martin in Basset, Virginia. As a little girl, Diane was raised by her grandparents Annie and Lee and a community of family members until moving to Plainfield, NJ as teenager; where she met her predeceased ex-husband John T. Roney, Sr.

Diane loved Virginia so much that she eagerly awaited her return. She has finally begun her eternal rest, with her mother and father welcoming her with open arms.

Diane began her early childhood education in Virginia, then moved to New Jersey and attended Plainfield High School, later returning to Virginia her senior year to graduate in 1977 from Basset High School. She then continued her studies in Psychology at the University of Maryland. Diane was employed by Penguin Random House in Westminster, MD. Diane was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star (Plainfield, NJ Chapter) and overall had a deep relationship with God.

Diane was once known for her "quiet and gentle" spirit. However, when Queen Lady Di became present, she became a fierce force to reckon with. Diane had quite a few hobbies such as sewing, writing poetry, dancing, shopping, spades, sudoku, and watching movies or series, especially "Little House on the Prairie!" A few of her major passions were her family, family events, and thrift store journeys.

Diane's desire to be a loving mother to all, showed her selfless love and a kindness that encompassed all aspects of life towards each person who she has encountered. In her eyes, people weren't only a special addition to herself, but she felt honored to be a part of another's journey. Diane's desire to pass it on, she loved us all with a smile, kind words, scripture, tough love was her gift of being a beautiful soul.

Diane chose to become a stay-at-home mother to raise and home-school her children up to age five, which was her gift, later becoming inspired, she became a preschool teacher to guide and encourage education in the youth.

Diane's life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild, she remained pivotal in their young lives to teach them all that she learned to empower future generations. She spent hours just sitting and listening to their stories, sneaking them snacks, and giving them comforting hugs. She ensured they never felt lonely and always made time for the small things. Diane will always be a beacon of love, kindness, and unwavering support and strength, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and wisdom that will forever be cherished. She showed us the meaning of unconditional love, perseverance, and the spirit of adventure.

Diane is survived by her children, Adona Roney, Diona “Coco” Roney-Guy , and John “T” Roney; her grandchildren, Nasim Muhammad, Jamir Muhammad, Ethan Guy, Phoenyx Guy, Aaliyah Roney, and Kallie Roney; her beloved great-grandchild Aurora Muhammad; special nephews-sons; Brandon Cobbs and Clarence Ellison; special granddaughter, Drevonna Armour; sisters, Shirley Hariston, Legaither Dalton, and Devona Moyer; brother; Ronnie Martin; bonus sister Mildred Ellison; aunts Lucy Hairston, Marie Taylor, Florence Amos, and Sally Oliver; uncles Rev. Terry Hairston, Harry J. Hairston, and Virgil Watkins; special cousins Lois Fulton, Vanessa Hairston, and Micheal Watkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Evangelical Holiness Church, 735 A.L. Philpott Hwy, Axton, VA, 24054. The burial will follow at Watkins Family Cemetery, 889 West Maple Drive, Axton, VA 24054.

A public viewing will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA from the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends at the home of Lois Fulton, 889 West Maple Dr, Axton, VA 24054 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Roney, Hairston, and Martin family, Evangelical Holiness Church, Hairston Funeral Home, E&K Casket Sales, and extended family that has contributed their help for the funeral arrangements of Mrs. Diane D. Hairston.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.