Diana Boykin McKennie

Diana McKennie was born on July 4, 1941 to Ovett, Sr. and Ollie Mae (McDonald) Boykin in Joliet, IL. Diana made her earthly transition on April 21,2025 at the PruittHealth-Lanier in Buford, GA Diana accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the family church, St. Mark CME Church in Joliet, IL. Diana resided in Joliet most of her life attending Joliet Public Schools. She was employed at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet for over 40 years. She was especially proud of working at Silver Cross because in 1964 when the Equal Employment Opportunity Act was signed, she was promoted from a nurse’s aide to working in the surgery department as a surgical technician, where she worked tirelessly until her retirement in 1995. Upon her retirement, Diana along with her son, Todd relocated to Miami, FL to live with her sister, Mary Ann Hinch where she lived until Mary Ann’s passing in 2019. Diana then relocated to GA to live with her daughter, Dawn. Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Ovett, Sr and Ollie Mae Boykin, her only son Todd (2012), brothers, Ovett Jr., Melvin (Donald) Sr., and her only sister, Mary Ann. Also preceding her in death, granddaughters, Antoinette and Tanya Anderson, and great-granddaughter, Cydney Maiden. Diana leaves precious memories with her daughters, Linda (Isiah, Sr) Anderson, Vicki Drummond, and Dawn (Rev. Norman) Ott; grandchildren: Kendall (Elroy) Norris, Karla (Carlos, Sr) Maiden, Kristen, Kimberly (Roderick Williams), Shannon Webb, Walter Drummond Jr., Stephanie (Andy) Calzada, Taurus Sanders, Corion, Isiah Jr., and Antwon Anderson. Also sharing in memories are 23 great-grandchildren and 7 great great-grandchildren. It was truly a blessing for her to have lived to see 5 generations! Diana is also survived by her sister-in-law, Esterr Boykin, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins including JoAnna Sanderson and Marilyn Dixon, life-long friends, Betty Powell and Vivian Bannister. Her special friend and roommate at PruittHealth-Lanier, Geleander (Ms. Sue) Harrison. A special thank you to Carol, Yolanda & Shenell at PruittHealth-Lanier for all you did for our Momma. Thank you to all our family and friends for your thoughts and prayers during this time A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home.

Diana Boykin McKennie

July 4, 1941 - April 21, 2025