Diane L. Sykes

Diane Lynn Sykes Mitchell, age 73, was born on October 15, 1952, in Gary, Indiana, and was called home to the Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026. She was a proud graduate of Emerson High School, Class of 1970. Diane devoted many years to Arc Bridges, where her compassion and joyful spirit uplifted individuals with special needs and disabilities.Diane was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Lodge # 39 and an enthusiastic member of
the Jazzy Ladies Dance Troupe. Above all, she cherished her children and family deeply, carrying an everlasting love and devotion for them throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, Homer C. and Earlene Smith Sr.; her son, Brandon T. Sykes; three brothers, Simon E. Brinston, Robert Brinston, and Homer C. Smith Jr.; and one sister, Willie L. "Lady" Cunningham. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Louis Mitchell; devoted sisters, Gloria J. Walton and Edna Brinston; two sons, Sean (Manita) Henderson and John Jarrett; and two
daughters, LoriAnn (Tony) Franklin and Valerie Denise (Leonard) Curry. Diane was a proud grandmother to four granddaughters—Tyeisha Harbin, Ah'sia Parker, A'sah Parker, and Vanessa White—and three grandsons, Aeridyn Sykes, Jherrell White, and Derrick Samuels. She is also survived by nephews Gregory (Sandra) Gates Sr., Frederick (Vicki) Walton, and Robert (Tamico) Brinston Jr., as well as seven nieces: Linda (Charles) Roberts, Selena D. Steels, Carletta (Shannon) Allen, Angelique (Sylvester) Gunn, Marie (Antwon) Smith, Sabrina Maldonado, and Nicole Brinston. Diane's memory is further honored by her special soul ties—Erlesha R. Lee, Geanni Curtis, and Jahan Lee.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Powell Coleman Funeral Home, 3200 W. 15th Ave., Gary, IN. Funeral services Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Church of Christ, 1276 W. 20th Ave., Gary,In.. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Hobart,In.