Katherine Diane "Di Brown" Brown

In Youngstown, OH on November 23, 1951, Katherine Diane Brown, affectionately known by many as “Di-Brown” entered this world as the  first born child of the late Roosevelt and Alice Gore Hobby. 

Diane was a proud 1969 graduate of South High School. After graduation she dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors Packard Electric before retiring in 2001. Her strong work ethic, compassion, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with her. 

At the center of Diane’s life was her unwavering faith and devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Chrisrt. She joined New Bethel Baptist Church in 1960 and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Herman Perry. Over the years, she faithfully served in many ministries including the Instruments of Praise Choir, Sunday School teacher, coordinator of the Youth Bible Quiz, the Hospitality Ministry, and the Altar Guild. She was also the co-founder of the church’s Young Women’s Ministry. In her local community Diane was a charter member of the 209 Club, and a proud member of the Red Hatters Club. Diane’s commitment to serving others reflected the love of Christ she carried in her heart every day.

More than anything, Diane’s love for her family was the driving force behind her life. She found immense joy in spending time in North Carolina with “the girls”, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories filled with laughter, love, and warmth. Whether she was baking something special, mentoring young women in the community, volunteering at church, or simply sharing her presence with others, Diane had a gift for making everyone she encountered feel deeply loved, welcomed, and valued. If she was around, you could count on laughter, joy, and a good time. Her spirit lit up every room she entered. She passed down the gifts of determination, perseverance, endurance, strength, patience, and kindness to her two daughters Tam and Nique.  She instilled in them her grandchildren and great-grandchildren that excellence is not optional, it’s the only way. 

 The fingerprints of love and legacy that she has left will have an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege of knowing, loving and being loved by her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughters, Tamara (Richard) Page of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Monique (Kwadjo) Steele of Greensboro, North Carolina; her grandsons, Marshall (Emmy) Brown of Summerduck, Virginia, Caleb Steele, and Kendall Steele of Greensboro, North Carolina; her great-granddaughter, Sapphira Brown; and great-grandson, Azure Brown. She also leaves behind her beloved niece, Deeonna (Kenneth) Staples of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; her cousin/nephew, Eric (Cassandra) Cash of Campbell, Ohio; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her love and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Christine Hobby,  sisters - Debra Jennings and Candy Hobby, brothers - Bradley Metts  and Roosevelt  “Rudy” Hobby Jr, grandparents Robert C and Lena Gore and Ruby Bell Anderson.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street, Youngstown, OH. 

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