Diane Williams

Diane A. Williams, 74, Daughter of the late James R. and Arletta A. Purcell of Harrisburg, PA peacefully transitioned into her eternal life in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Diane was a graduate of Central Dauphin East High School. She worked for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency for more than 25 years before retiring in 2013.

With our hearts now heavy, we gather here this morning to remember and celebrate the life of our Mother, Grandmother, Sister and friend.

Diane was respectfully known as “D” or “Momma D” to most everyone she touched. Her life, love and open arms were just as contagious as her beautiful smile.

Our Mom and Grandmom was a Woman who’s love was quiet, steady and everlasting. The kind of love that wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket, without needing to say a word. Our Mom and Grandmother, affectionately known to us as “Beautiful” had a gentle spirit. She had a soft heart for Angels - of which she would collect over the years placing about her home – so fitting because she truly was our Beautiful Angel through all of our walks of life.

She found joy in the simple things. Such as being at home in her favorite pajamas, usually watching Judge Judy and the Hallmark Channel. This was done by curling up with her dog, “Asia” who transitioned in 2024 and her cat, “Mittens” who is now in the safe home of one of her Granddaughters.

More than anything, our Matriarch loved her family. She was a super proud mother of her two Daughters and found her greatest joy being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She didn’t really need big shows of affection. Small tokens went a long way with her. The love she carried within was subtle and came in many ways. It was unconditional, constant and always present. She had her own special individual relationship with every one of us. We all knew it was gentle, it was ours and it was special.

Most recently, our Mom /Grandmom really enjoyed spending time with her two brothers, of whom she loved going on short road trips with. Over recent months, they would visit and spend time with their extended family in Pottsville, PA. Often, she would talk about how much she loved having Jim and Robert over, laughing about things only they could laugh about while sitting in her living room. Their bond was strong, giving their sister lasting memories and so much happiness.

Grandmom did many things with us growing up. She once lived across the street from us when we were little where she taught us how to bake apple pies – which were perfect every time. To us, we were just happy to bake when all along, it was never about teaching us how to bake or the apple pies. She was actually passing down her love and patience. She helped us understand the gift of slowing down, understanding, listening, executing and being present. She was giving pieces of herself for us to carry on forever.

Our Grandmom had a smile, so much more than beautiful. Everyone knew that smile spoke volume. The happiness and love that smile would display when seeing any of us was a miracle maker.

That said, you wouldn’t want her to be upset with you. If she was upset, you got her silent treatment. “The silent treatment” – as we all called it - was strong! Silence from Grandmom was fierce and more powerful than words. It was impossible to ignore – but even that came from love.

She never acted from anger – only from care.

She was everyone’s Mom and Grandmom. She has had a hand in raising children and grandchildren who may have even somehow just showed up. She was there, opening her arms and home to many different people from many walks of life. She took care of people and people took care of her, making it possible to build her bright and vibrant enormous village of love. We didn’t hear “goodbye” it was “See ya later”. It was not “I love you”, it was “I Love you so much”.

The stamp our Mom and Grandmom left on us was the fact that she never stopped kissing her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren directly on the lips. We would try to give the cheek (especially as we grew older) but she grabbed that face each time. To her, none of us really ever grew up. She would always say “I’m sorry, I still see you as my little girl or my baby boy!”

Life is now diƯerent, but we are all strong. The one thing Diane did, was raise her daughters to be Mothers who know how to love, how to make their love known and to always stand strong. The love, security, trust and respect our family has for each other has helped all of us during this process - on so many levels in so many ways.

Different, yes – BUT – different, no. We will be fine. You have given the tools, and those tools have been passed down for us to use while we keep going. Allowing you to now rest peacefully with the ones you have missed over the years.

Our Beautiful Angel, Both here on earth and now in heaven.

We Love You Always!

Surviving are her two Daughters Tiffany Davis (Quontelle) and Kiesha Duncan (Jonathan), her two younger brothers James R. Purcell Jr. (Elizabeth) and Robert F. Purcell (Belinda

Also standing strong are her 4 Granddaughters Tanika Jones (Essence), Tyesha Jones (Lyric), Tionna Giles, and Shamira Gutierrez (Xavior, Rainah, Zoey). As well as her 6 Grandsons, Marcus Clark Jr (Siwa - Marcus III, Khamari, Romello, Ziyah), Markeem Clark (KiAndre), Tyree Murphy, Jakai Spencer, Caleb Duncan and Tyhri Duncan (Amorianna). As well as her niece Rachel who she was very proud of and loved so much along with extended family and friends.

The Broken Chain

We little knew that evening that GOD was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone;

for part of us went with you, the day GOD called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

Your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you, you’re always by our side,

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same; But as GOD calls us one by one,

Our chain will link again.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.