Diane Elizabeth Stokes-Blakeman was born on August 24, 1950, in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Walter Buckner and Gloria Taylor. On June 5, 2025, she peacefully transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was the youngest of two children and shared a close bond with her beloved brother, the late Samuel Sylvester Stokes.

Diane received her education at North General Braddock High School in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

She later met the love of her life, Theodore Insaly Blakeman, and together they were blessed with six children.

Diane cherished spending time with her family and frequently traveled between Georgia, Florida, and Texas to be with her children. She also enjoyed visiting casinos, playing bingo, and relaxing with a cigarette and a cold beer — simple pleasures that brought her joy. In the final three years of her life, Diane returned to Pittsburgh to live with her son Teddy (Wookidy) and his wife Keasha and made it her home once again — the place where her life began and now rests. Diane will be buried next to her husband at the Veterans National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her six children: Carmon Lee Stokes-Blakeman (Vanessa), Monica Insaly Blakeman, Anthony Kristian Blakeman (Yvette), Theodore I. Blakeman (Keasha), Eric Jay Blakeman (Tia), and Kia Daniell Blakeman; 21 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Theodore Insaly Blakeman, and her brother Samuel Sylvester Stokes.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Aldrich Funeral Homes, 431 E Ninth Ave, Munhall, PA 15120; Visitation: 11am to 12pm; Service: 12pm; Interment: National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Aldrich Funeral Homes, 431 E Ninth Ave, Munhall, PA 14120; tel: 412-461-3400