Veleria Diane Blackwell was the daughter of the late Jennie C. Blackwell and the late John Arthur Livingston. "Diane", as she was affectionately called, was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC along with 10 other siblings.  She was the wonderful mother of one daughter, Trevia "Truck" and two sons, Kawaun and Rakin, whom she loved dearly.  Her two oldest grandsons, Calvin "Cassey" and Darryl were like her natural sons and were very close to her as well.

Diane was led to the Lord by her younger brother, Elder Karon Blackwell, Sr.  She committed and gave her life to the Lord over 25 years ago!  God performed an amazing turnaround in Diane's life.  She was a living testimony that God can save, heal, set free, and deliver anyone who will truly surrendered their life to Jesus!  She willingly shared her testimony with others in order to help them be saved, healed, and delivered as well.  Diane was a woman of great faith and one who truly loved the Lord!  Many times she would cry, wave, and clap her hands together when she felt "happy" due to the presence of the Lord!  Shew as a sweetheart and loved everybody.  Often times her family referred to her as "a bucket of tears" because she cried when she was happy and joyful!

Diane was a faithful and dedicated member of Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church where she proudly served on the usher board.  She also served in the capacity of the President of the Usher Board until her health failed and she could no longer do so.  Everyone loved and looked for Diane's beautiful smile when she came through the doors of the church!  No matter how weak she was she stood and made sure she was on her post with that "special smile" she had.  She often declared she was "going to stand (and usher) until she couldn't stand no more!  She was diagnosed with throat cancer over 14 years ago and her vocal cords had to be surgically removed, but, she was a Survivor, had a tracheostomy, and spoke with a voice box.  Although she no longer had her voice , she was NEVER silenced!  Many times she would make "kissing" sounds and clap her hands when she had important things to say and everyone listened!  She was diagnosed years later with liver cancer.  She never gave up and continued to resiliently live, thrive, and survive against all odds!

Veleria Diane Blackwell departed this life and transitioned to Heaven on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, NC.

She was preceded in death by both parents; two sisters, Sharon and Cynthia; four brothers, William, Roland, Lavonza, and Frederick; as well as her beloved daughter, Trevia.

She is survived by and leaves to cherish her memories her two sons, Kawuan Renard and Rakin Farid "Rakeem" Blackwell; her oldest grandsons who were like sons, Calvin Devon "Cassey" and Darryl O'Brian Blackwell; other beloved and precious grandchildren; siblings, Reginald Blackwell, Jacqqueline Denise Blackwell, Iris Angela Roseboro, and Elder Karon (Japhetia) Blackwell; special daughters, LaKetha "Ketha" Ebrahim and Carvena Brown; close cousins, Hazel Hentz and Barbara Pouncey; and many sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor ML Frazier officiating.  The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.