Diane Kinney

The Life Story of the Fabulous Diane Kinney

Sunrise September 21, 1957-Sunset October 5, 2022

The charismatic Diane Kinney was the 9th out of 11 siblings, born to the loving parents Abraham S. Brown and Chanie V. Brown who welcomed her into her next journey on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022. Diane Kinney was born in Seattle, Washington on September 21, 1957, and was a long-time resident of the Central District neighborhood where she attended Leschi and Sacajawea Elementary Schools, Eckstein Junior High, and attended Nathan Hale High School but graduated from the doghouse-Garfield High School. Post her primary education she continued to her secondary learning where she completed and earned her degree in early childhood education. She had a long career employed with the Seattle Public School District for over 26 years holding various positions from the lunch lady to a district level registrar. She helped ensure many a children were enrolled in the top schools of their choice and had the correct classes. She was always a nurturer making sure that everyone’s babies had what they needed to succeed in school.

In addition to loving on the community children, Diane’s greatest love was truly in her two children as well as her two grandchildren. She went above and beyond to provide the best supportive and loving environment she could for her first-born Gilbert Kinney Jr. and beloved daughter Rosemary Kinney. Diane raised her children as a single mother, always wanting the best for them, and never wanting them to miss out on anything, she enrolled both Gilbert and Rosemary in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization to provide an alternative outlet to them both. Allowing such opportunity for them, fostered long term relationships-in particular for Rosemary where she not only gained a big sister Sue Simmons, but also a godmother in Sheree Davis.  

In addition to being a phenomenal mother, grandmother, and a favorite aunt, she could cook ANYTHING! Most notably being known for her amazing cornbread and spectacularly famed peach cobbler. She loved her entire family dearly and was a true gate keeper of the family ensuring to connect with everyone to check in on them and make sure they were doing ok. She told it how she saw it and always did so out of love. There is nothing that she wouldn’t do or give for any of her family. One of her proudest moments was purchasing her family home 525 19th Ave, where she demonstrated to her children and family that home ownership was possible for a single black woman. She opened up that home to all of her family; hosting family events and parties; she allowed her famous home “the 525” to be a revolving door for many a family and friends. Several family members stayed with Diane and her kids over the years.

She was an extremely hard worker with extraordinary work ethic; and boy oh boy she could clean and loved to clean. Diane couldn’t stand no mess and no clutter! She prided herself on keeping her household aesthetically immaculate. In addition to that she loved fashion and jewelry; always looking presentable for every occasion and stayed blinged out. Diane had fun and enjoyed life to the fullest! She loved the Lord and was a faithful lifelong member of Zion United House of Prayer, under the original direction of Bishop Eugene Drayton, and now under the leadership of her Brother in-law Wallace Drayton. She served in the choir and was church secretary both up until her last breath on this earth. Her voice was memorable and angelic; she could reach some soprano notes that were out of this world-they had to be a gift from heaven!

Some of you may not know but Diane was born with a severe and debilitating case of scoliosis. She underwent numerous surgeries throughout her childhood and into adulthood; and never complained. She never questioned why she had to take on such struggles with this issue, but instead faced it. Even as she approached what she thought would be her last surgery related to fixing her back, she learned that she would need an additional procedure as the rod in which the doctors placed ended up breaking-reversing some of what was done resulting in more pain and eventually another serious nine-hour surgery. Worried about her children and ensuring their needs were met, she waited until both Gilbert and Rosemary finished high school before pursuing the final surgery needed to fix her back. This amazing woman was selfless beyond measure!

Diane was fun loving, light spirited, and loyal to those she loved! Her bright light, although dimmed on this side of earth, will forever be aflame to those who loved her dearly. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Abraham and Chanie Brown; her siblings David, Richard, and Frank Brown; her nephews Kevin and Frankie Brown; and nieces Tamara Brown and Chanie Sanford. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, her precious children Gilbert Kinney Jr. (Dawn Harris), and Rosemary Kinney; life partner Perry Perkins; grandchildren Michael Kinney and Angelia Bland; siblings Recerline Rose, Lorraine (Wallace) Drayton, Ronald (Deann) Brown, Curtis Brown, Brenda Houser, Sandra Brown, and Tonda Brown. Along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and great friends. Diane’s voice and memory will live on forever in our memory and hearts. 

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