Diana R. (Comes) Stevenson

Diana R. (Comes) Stevenson, known to her congregation as “Deacon Diana” , age 67, stepped into the loving embrace of her Lord, Savior, and Love, Jesus Christ, as she passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family and church family by her side. Born in Ilion on March 31, 1949, Diana was the daughter of Leah (Christman) Seelman and the late Marcus Comes. At one time, she was married to Lawrence Stevenson; they loved one another and remained in touch for the betterment of their lives. Diana’s journey in life brought her to the Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky where she embarked upon a career as caretaker and groomer for racing horses. From preparing them to race, to tending to their injuries, her time with these thoroughbreds elevated her to a greater state of being and a love for all God’s creation. She later ventured into a new vocation as a Regional Food Service Director for a county incarceration system in Kentucky. Diana was witty, strong-willed, and free-wheeling. She was also a loving and outreaching person, and once she was born-again, she was loyal to the Lord. She found her new calling at the Turning Point Church of Utica where she shared an interpersonal relationship with her fellow congregants. They connected through shared interests, mutual love and respect for all, and she often raised her voice in song to worship Jesus. Serving the Lord and the needy became Diana’s greatest salvation. Her heart, mind, soul, and strength were centered on easing the burden of those bearing hardship. Diana became a paradigm of living for God. Her efforts in this new life were rewarded when Pastor Chris named her a Deaconess. She was dedicated to volunteering in Pro-Life Ministry including CareNet. Her church family gave her purpose and direction in finding her way back to her children and re-bonding with her mom and siblings. Nature was a place of comfort for Diana. She loved to sit in a chair and take in all the peaceful scenes of God’s glory. She marveled at seeing things grow, especially the bounty of a garden. She was a great cook and her excellent recipes could not be beaten. Her empathy and energy led her to a leadership role in Pen Pals for communication with Oneida County Inmates and she named the program “Linked Hearts”. Diana is survived by her mother, Leah Seelman; her children, Eric Comes-Nask, Julie Rhuberg, Amy and Keith Corbett, and Keri Diamond; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Sally Pugh, Debra Wilson, Connie Swalgin and Karl Baird, and Charleen and Ron DeChard. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and aunts. She was blessed with the love and friendship of, Chris and Nancy Tringali, Misty Johnson, Michael Eaton, Marie Bates, and her extended church family. The family extends thanks to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center nurses and staff of 3C, Diana’s niece, Becky Sarus who is a patient allocation coordinator, all of whom were instrumental in providing comfort to her and her loved ones during her final days; and her pastor and “brother”, Chris Tringali, and his wife Nancy, with whom she shared a “Best Friend” relationship that was so much about caring for each other. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Turning Point Church of Utica, 438 Columbia Street, Utica, NY 13502. Diana’s Celebration of Life and Eternity Memorial Service will commence at 3:00 upon conclusion of visitation with friend and Pastor, Chris Tringali officiating the ceremony.

Diana R. (Comes) Stevenson

March 21, 1949 - December 22, 2016