Diane (Lanaux) Beckham

UTICA – On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, as the energy in the room was cleared and good energy restored, at age 67, Diane (Lanaux) Beckham’s spirit was set free to those who went before her. She spent her last moments in this life at peace, attended to with much care and attention by those who loved her. Diane was born in Herkimer on June 5, 1956 to the late Adam Hardy and Roberta (Lanaux) Miller. In 1973, she graduated from Utica Free Academy and continued her studies at MVCC and Utica School of Commerce. A woman that had an adventurous heart, she went wherever the wind blew which took her to many new places. Diane was once married to David Beckam for five years. She and David made their families come together and feel much love. David passed away in 1994. She was fortunate to find passion again with Lester Williams, and they shared 33 years together. Lester filled a deep void in Diane’s heart and she just loved him dearly. Lester always wanted to be sure that she was happy. She was his caretaker and did so as long as she could. As a couple, they shared a deep devotion and were proud of each other’s accomplishments. Diane had multiple working positions, but being a caretaker was the true blessing to her heart. She always wanted to be a good provider for her family, so hard work was a natural element to her personality. Diane was a “lady in red!” She was a true fashionista and would light up any room she entered. She was the Utica Beyonce and knew it - you could see it in her strut! Her beautiful smile was a sign of love and approval.. but yet she would let you know with that same beautiful face, and sense of disapproval. She was filled with patience, but played no games. Diane’s ability to gracefully help someone in need was something to be admired. While Diane made a multitude of friends throughout the country, she also became wise, cultured, sharp, and clever. She was so truly memorable. Diane was an excellent pool player and enjoyed anything that would challenge her mind, like Scrabble, chess, playing Bingo at the Turning Stone Casino, or card games, especially Spades and Tunk, only to mention a few. It was not often that she could be beat. She was a great dancer, and she did the jig like no one else. She was the life of the party. Diane’s proudest accomplishment was the healthy relationship that she was able to build with her three children, grandchildren and the generations that followed. Her skills in the kitchen were exemplary, with soul food being her signature style. Diane somehow remembered everyone’s favorite dish and she catered to all. Diane had received the Lord as her Savior and she was proud to pay her tithe. She studied the Bible and in her devotion she gained great strength from the Lord. Diane was open to her own heart and soul and that led her to be an accepting person. Diane is survived by her children and their loves, Elizabeth Lanaux and fiancé Jason Cato, Nathaniel and Dawn Lanaux, and Karima Jones and fiancé Marcus McDonald; 26 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her siblings and their loves, Pearl and William Baldwin, George and Janice Lanaux, Ronate Fulton, Felicia Minor, Joanne and Larry Wilkins, Jolyn and Ray Rollins, Roberta Miller, Natalie and Troy Boatwright, Nathaniel and Velvet Fulton, and Maude Hardy; and her father who raised her, Umar Karriem. She was preceded by her sister, Sharon Joyner. Diane leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She will live on in the hearts of Maurice Darby, who was raised up with Diane and whom she looked upon as a son; her sister-girlfriend, Kentra Haynes, they did everything together; and Willa Hatcher, who was a prominent figure in Diane’s life. Diane was preceded in death by her grandparents, Louis and Pearl Lanaux. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester - Hematology/Oncology Department; they kept the family informed and offered excellent care to Diane through the entire process. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Diane’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Diane (Lanaux) Beckham

June 5, 1956 - March 20, 2024