Diane Christy Newsum

Diane Christy Stokes-Newsum also known as “Di,” was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 22, 1970, to Emily McMurty-Stokes and the late Percy Stokes. Diane was the youngest child of this union, affectionately known as “The Baby Girl”. She departed this life on September 8, 2023 at UNC Rex Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina surrounded by her family.

As a child growing up in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn, Diane attended P.S.11, the Hanson Place Seventh-day Adventist School, Epiphany Lutheran School and graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in 1990 where she solidified relationships with some of her closest friends whom she considered family. Diane was always outgoing and always the ‘light in the room’. With that beautiful bright smile, gorgeous face, classy and chic style, signature hairstyle, honest and kind “persona”, you have the prototype for the unforgettable Diane we’ve grown to know and love.

After high school, Diane attended and graduated from St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she met and married her love, Derald C. Newsum. They were married on September 15, 2002. From their union she welcomed Jasmine in as her own daughter. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, traveling the world, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Diane worked as an insurance analyst at MetLife Insurance Company, asset protection specialist in fraud detection at Siemens. She also held numerous positions (notably talent acquisition specialist and air dispatcher supervisor) at the United Parcel Service.  Her early career highlights included a brief stint on Wall Street and substitute teaching in the Baltimore County public school system.

Diane leaves beautiful memories with her husband Derald C. Newsum of Cary, NC; daughter Jasmine Hines of Greensboro, NC, mother Emily Stokes of Brooklyn, NY, siblings Linda (Anthony) Ervin of Swansboro, NC, Margaret (Ricky) McBride of Norfolk, VA and Cynthia Stokes-Brundidge of Bronx, NY; nephew and nieces, Marcus Stokes of Boston, MA, Tiffany (Nathaniel) Johnson of Seattle, WA, Neisha McBride of Hampton VA, Lorrell Ervin of Swansboro, NC, Brea McBride of Virginia Beach, VA and Roche Stokes-Brundidge of Bronx, NY; Great nieces and nephews, Natalie, Emmanuel, Nathaniel Jr., Rayon, Josh and Elijah Johnson, Derrek Worthy and Lyric Sumter; mother-in-law, Christine Newsum of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law, Nicole Newsum of Brooklyn, NY and brother-in-law Shaun (Jenny) Newsum of Santa Monica, CA and a host of extended family, and close friends (her Besties). She was preceded in death by her father, Percy Stokes and brothers, Derrick and Tony Stokes.

Diane “Di” LOVED her family and will be greatly missed. To her beloved Derald, you will always be her forever love.

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