Her Life, Her Legacy, Her Story

With profound love and heavy hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Diane Marie Lowery, who peacefully departed this life on June 7, 2026.

Diane was born on September 28, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, to George Lee Lowery and Barbara Lowery Sanders. She was raised surrounded by love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond of family.

Diane was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and was baptized at an early age. Her faith in the Lord remained strong and carried her throughout life. She worked in retail for many years and served as an Assistant Manager at Rite Aid until her health began to decline.

Growing up in a house full of sisters created memories and bonds that could never be broken. Together they became affectionately known as “The Lowery Girls,” a sisterhood built on love, support, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Diane was blessed with lifelong friendships. From childhood, she formed an unmatched bond with Monica, Sandra, and Dec Bee. Together they shared neighborhood adventures, parties, laughter, and memories that lasted a lifetime. Later in life, she formed special friendships with Maureen, Niecy, and Denise, creating countless moments of joy.

Diane met Gary Williams, and through their union became the proud mother of Gary, Donald, Ebony, and Essence. Her love extended beyond biology as she later welcomed and raised Kevin Jr., Ariana, Taren, and Devin, loving each of them deeply and completely.

Later in life, Diane found her soulmate in Shawn James, with whom she shared more than thirty years of love, friendship, and companionship. They were inseparable—riding in Shawn’s old-school cars, dressing alike, taking late-night food trips, and creating memories everywhere they went. Their love was truly one of a kind.

Diane faced life’s challenges with courage and determination. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing several surgeries, she reached remission. She later battled complications including kidney failure and endured years of dialysis with grace and strength. Through every challenge, Diane continued to fight and continued to love. To know Diane was to know joy.

She loved family gatherings, house parties, singing, and making everyone smile. Whether grabbing a microphone or even a bottle to sing her favorite songs—by Tina Marie, Isley Brothers, etc.—Diane brought life to every room. She loved cooking her famous mac and cheese and mostaccioli, barbecuing, traveling, and spending time with her nieces, nephews, and friends. Her home was the gathering place, and she was the person everyone turned to.

Known affectionately as “Dirty Diana,” also called “Dirt,” she had a heart of gold and a spirit that made everyone feel welcome. Diane was famous for breaking out into the old-school robot whenever she got excited or joining every Soul Train line she could find. Family lovingly joked that if you told Diane a story, she would retell it in her own special way—earning nicknames like “FOX 2 News” and “Information Station.”

One of Diane’s greatest joys was traveling to Cincinnati to visit family. Between 2025 and 2026, she made four cherished trips, creating precious memories and spending meaningful time with loved ones.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Essence; her father, George Lowery; Step Father Wayne Sanders; her siblings Karen, Cheryl, Kevin, and Kimberly; her beloved niece Toria; her nephew Shawn Lowery; and her grandmothers, Marie Jackson and Emma Lowery.

Diane leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Gary, Donald, Devon, Kevin Jr., Ebony, Ariana, and Taren; her devoted mother, Barbara Sanders; her beloved siblings Debra, Angie, Robin, Francine, Donna, Brenda (Charles Birch), Deneen (Eric Foster), Derrick (Dawn Sanders), Wade, Tony, and Debra Lowe; 11 cherished grandchildren; her special soulmate, Shawn James; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Though Diane is no longer with us in presence, her love, laughter, traditions, and memories will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Diane Marie Lowery

“Dirty Diana” — Forever Loved, Forever Remembered, Forever Missed.