Diane Bynes
was born to Eva Roberts and Ernest Ray Hooten on September 10, 1951 in Montgomery, Alabama. Diane was adopted by
her stepfather, John Tatum in 1958. As a child, Diane lived in Alabama, Germany, and Ohio with her mother, brothers;
Donald Tatum and Alfred Roberts, Jr, and sisters; Jocelyn McMullen and Wanda Tatum. Diane graduated high school from
Frankfurt American High School in Frankfurt, Germany. Diane and her family settled in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1970s. Diane’s
career included working at Best Products, TransOhio Federal Savings Bank and Charter One Bank where she retired.
Diane loved the Lord and learned to trust God. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as an adult and was
baptized at Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Diane also worshiped at Mt. Zion Oakwood Village
Church until her illness.
Family was very important to Diane. She was first married to John Hollis and later married Byram Bynes. She was the
mother of two children, Antonio “Tony” Tatum, Sr., and Angela Hollis Butler. Her legacy includes 11 grandchildren: Douglas
Hudson, Antoino Tatum, Jr, Antoinette Tatum, Nichole Tatum, DeVonte’ Tatum, Alyana Tatum, Tavian Tatum, Tyreece Tatum,
Jaylond Butler, Janae Butler, Justin Butler, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. Diane loved and supported
her children and their families.
Diane was an amazing cook who commonly shared her recipes with others. Her cooking skills brought fun, love and
conversations into her kitchen that will live for generations to come. She loved a good time, including music, dancing,
traveling, and attending family gatherings. Diane was a Diva. She loved to look good with flawless makeup, beautiful
clothes, and lovely jewelry. Affectionately known as “D”
,
“Lady D” or “Di”
, Diane did not meet a stranger; her motherly
instincts made her known as “Ma” to many. People gravitated to her and her comedic charm. She will be remembered for
her loving and caring nature to others as well as her feistiness and bluntness. By way of her body language and facial
expressions, you knew what she meant. Diane had a smile that brightened anyone’s day. She had fun and made
unforgettable memories with many people along her life’s journey.
Diane was preceded in death by her mother Eva Roberts and father John Tatum. Diane leaves to cherish her memory her
son, Antonio “Tony” Tatum, Sr.; daughter, Angela (Savelle) Butler; sisters, Jocelyn McMullen and Wanda Tatum all of
Cleveland, Ohio; brothers, Donald (Cassandra) Tatum of Clearwater, Florida; Alfred Roberts, Jr of Los Angeles, California; 11
grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Diane will live on in the memories shared by her loved ones. The strength she had and the countless lives she touched will
give us the strength to carry on. Until we meet again, we love you, take your rest, you deserve it.
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