Diane M Stanford

Diane M. Stanford daughter of the late John and Dorothy Handy passed away peacefully January 22, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family in Wilmington, Delaware. Lady D, as she was affectionately known, was born April 18, 1947 in Eastern, Maryland.

Diane received her early education in the Public School System of Talbot County, Maryland. Diane then moved to Wilmington, where she graduated from Howard High School, Class of 1965 and then went to Maryland East Shore College earning her degree.  Most know that she then worked for Christina School District at the bus yard and in the evenings worked for James Way Clothing Store.

Diane met Lester"Grady" Stanford in Maryland years prior and they reunited at the THUNDERGUARDS and got married on August 14, 1974. Through their years of marriage they had 3 beautiful children; John Handy, Leslie Stanford and Rochelle Mills. You could always ride past 24th Street, or as some would say, Parkside and find Diane with tables spread out with her Avon always gaining new clientele for her growing business that she loved. She was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Diane loved her church family and was always willing to help those that were in need. She loved listening to WDAS on Sunday nights with her husband. She spent plenty of time being a hands-on- grandmother and a mother of the block.

Diane is survived by her three children; John, Leslie, and Cherron, her grandchildren; Marcus, Marqui, Bria, Ashley, John, Jasmine, Jah"mier, British, Semaj, Grady, Johnessa,and Johniya, 13 great grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Stanford, her parents, John and Dorothy Handy, sister, Lillie Mae Thomas, and brother Bernard Johnson.

"Blessed are they that die in the Lord... that they may rest from their labor and their work do follow them." Rev. 14:13