Dianne LaVerne "Lady Di" Reese, 72, passed away on July 28, 2018 at Research Medical Center. She was born June 5, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of Edward and Leona (Thompson) Reese. She was the eleventh child and second daughter of this union. Sher was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers, Edward Jr., Oliver Lynn, Harvey Lee, Clifford (Red), Ernest, Curtis, Clayton (KK), and Duane (Killer) Reese; one sister, Shirlyne and her beautiful daughter, Charita Reese-Thomas.

Dianne was educated in the Kansas City Missouri School District and graduated from Lincoln High School class of 1964, where she won the Betty Crocker Homemaking Award for her developing culinary skills. These skills became legendary as she became known for her homemade rolls, fried chicken, candied yams, chili, pies and cobblers. Her hobbies and skills included crocheting and making clothes for herself and family members. In that same year she gave birth to her only child, Charita.

Although she lost her mother as a very young child, she was surrounded by eight brothers who contributed to her becoming a tomboy and her older sister, Shirlyne, who gave her sisterly advice that helped her grow into the loving mother and friend she became. When you became Dianne's friend you were a friend for life, as shown by the tight bond of the "Big Three" - Dianne "The Cook", Charlene, "The Youngest", and Rose, "The Singer". Rose Brown also preceded her in death.

After high school Dianne worked several jobs before building a career with the Internal Revenue Service. At the IRS she held many positions and titles from union steward to manager. She totally participated in activities with her co-workers, playing softball and volleyball. She was known for her powerful and devastating serve in volleyball. During one game she served 14 points straight; it would have been 15 points, but the side judge called the last serve out. The judge later told her she couldn't let her beat the other team like that. Dianne retired from the IRS in 2001 after 32 years of service.

Dianne accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church. She later united with Palestine Missionary Baptist Church where she was active in the Singles Sunday School Class and Street Ministry. She loved music and attended every musical presented by the Palestine choirs. She remained an active church member and contributing member of her community until the last weeks of her illness.

Throughout her life Dianne had a passion for working with children. She chaperoned all of her daughter's field trips and all the Marching Cobras Drill Team activities. She also supported her granddaughters, nephews and nieces in their activities as well. She was known as the "Track Nanny". After retirement, Dianne joined a tutoring program through the YMCA called, "Seniors for Schools". She wanted to ensure that children knew how to read and comprehend.

Until her death, Dianne was a board member and treasurer of Parade Park Homes, board member of the Marching Cobras Drill Team and she also participated in a home based bible study group. She was well respected in the community and was cherished as a grandmother, sister, aunt and friend because she was there whenever needed. Dianne will always be remembered for her kind and compassionate heart.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two brothers, Gary L. Reese and Ronald Reese both of Kansas City, MO; two granddaughters, Rhonda Gray of Kansas City, MO and Marshauna Thomas of Atlanta, GA; three great grandchildren, Jha'niece Johnson, Melvin Johnson, Jr., and Raishaun Gray; adopted daughter, Sharon Frazier; three sisters-in-law, Ruby Jane, Allie B. and Willa Jean Reese all of Kansas City, MO; special friends, Charlene Harrison and Margie Price; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.