Minister Shirley Diane Steele Robinson

1956 - 2024

Minister Shirley Diane Steele Robinson was born to the late Robert A. Steele, Sr. and Beulah M. Christian Steele on July 17, 1956. She was raised in the community of Fairview Heights, where she resided for over 60 years.

Minister Diane attended the historical Shurford Memorial School in Granite Quarry, NC; Erwin Middle School in Salisbury, NC; the historic Dunbar High School in East Spencer, NC; and in 1974, she graduated from East Rowan High School in Salisbury, NC. She attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and graduated on August 1, 1976, with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Minister Diane completed the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and was awarded a CDA Credential by the Council for Early Childhood Professionals on June 1, 1988. Minister Diane also enrolled in the Curriculum of Directors Forum through the Rowan Partnership for Children and Kidlinks Program and received a certificate of completion on December 21, 2000.

As a child, Minister Diane attended Fairview Baptist Church, where she played the piano and was a member of the youth choir. She served as the Chairman of the Fairview Heights Bereavement Committee, and she was the former Chairperson of the Fairview Heights Reunion Committee. She later attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and served as the Youth Ministry Leader, VBS Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir Director, member of the Spiritual Choir, and served on the Usher Board. She accepted the call to ministry and received her Ministerial License on April 5, 2004. Minister Diane continued her Christian journey at Dorsett Chapel Church and served on the Ministerial Ministry, Performing Arts Ministry, Ministry Leader of the Little Lambs Nursery Ministry, VBS Nursery Teacher, Twix & In-between Ministry. She attended and frequently taught weekly noon-day Bible Study, and was a member of the Women's and Combination Choirs, Care Ministry, and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

Minister Diane was affectionately known as “Deecie and Aunt Dee-Dee”. Her warm presence and caring nature left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. She was an exceptional person and someone you can go to for advice, love and comfort. Her interests were as vibrant as her personality. Minister Diane's love for her family was unparalleled, and she often expressed this through the time she spent with them. The care she provided, the times she loved spending in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family and friends (especially her momma's secret barbeque sauce) displayed the joy she found in life's simple pleasures. She was always your biggest fan, cheerleader and supporter. She would go head-to-head with anyone who talked trash about her Pittsburgh Steelers. She absolutely adored the color purple - it was her all-time favorite!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A. Steele, Sr. and Beulah M. Christian Steele, her brothers John A. Steele and Robert A. “Coach” Steele, Jr.

Her radiant spirit is carried by her three sons: Mason Robinson (Claudine), Jeremiah Robinson (LaToya), Kendrick Cowan; four grandchildren: Isis Miller, Jeremiah “JJ” Robinson, Jr., Essence Robinson and Graylen Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was a caring mother, grandmother, mother in-love, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

Lovingly submitted by the Family.

Arrangements: Services are Saturday, August 31, 2024 in the A.R. Kelsey Memorial Chapel, Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. with Visitation at 12:00 pm and Funeral at 1:00pm. Interment following services at City Memorial Park. Reverend Rick Galloway, Pastor, Eulogist.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Robinson family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.