Mrs. Diane Jenkins‑White 92, of Warren Ohio transitioned this life on April 29, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by family. She was married to the late Leroy White from New Castle, PA. Diane, also known as “Big Mama and Grandma” was born in Bennettsville, S.C., a daughter of the late John Henry and Rebecca Witherspoon Johnson.

Diane Jenkins spiritual foundation was established early in life at Cedar Falls Missionary Baptist Church. She was baptized as a child in Drake Pond near the church and embraced her salvation through the Holy Spirit. She later united with Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where her parents were faithful members. Her younger sister, Grace, is also laid to rest there, their souls together in Eternal Peace. Diane attended Keys School and Brownsville Middle School in Marlboro County, Bennettsville, South Carolina, followed by Bennettsville High School in Blenheim, South Carolina.

She later moved to Philadelphia, PA, then established her roots in Ohio in the early 1960's. She worked as a clerk for The Goodwill Industry. Diane also retired as a Teacher's Aide for the Youngstown Public School System. She worked as a Case Manager for Mahoning County Job and Family Services. She was also employed with Youngstown Community Action Council, and as a county Case Worker over the Food Stamp Program. She was also deputized as Deputy Sheriff under Chief Wellington for the Senior Citizens of Tandy Apartments in Campbell, Ohio. She was a Nutrition's Aide for the State of Ohio and a Notary Public for over 40 years. She was also the Manager/Bookkeeper for the (formerly Club 541). A true Jack of all Trades while serving faithfully in the community. Diane was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church where she sang in the Senior Choir, served on the Senior Usher Board and was also the Mother of the Church.

Diane was preceded in death by her son Curtis Jenkins; two brothers, John Wayne Johnson and Thomas McCall; three sisters, Martha Bernice Johnson-Gause, Ruth Ellen Turner and Grace Rebecca Johnson; her grandparents John K. and Martha Ann Witherspoon; brother-in-law Handy Gause; Lonnie Jenkins (first husband); son-in-law Frederick Clark; daughter-in-law Deborah Dennis Jenkins; grandson Brian Jenkins; granddaughters, Deana Jenkins and Jasmine Thorpe; great-grandson Tyler Rodgers; great-granddaughters Felisha Ward and D’Aiza Jenkins; two godsons Phillip Fuzell and Ronald Washington whom we take comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms. Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in the memories she left behind

Diane will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Joan Johnson, Vanessa Clark, and Veronica Thurston of Warren, OH; Rebecca Jenkins (Youngstown, OH), and Idella Bell; her sons Lonnie (Rheba) Jenkins of Norman, OK, Charles Jenkins (Youngstown, OH), and Alvin Jenkins (New Castle, PA); her brothers William Johnson (Tampa, FL.), Henry Johnson (Greensboro, N.C.), Tom (Shirley) Johnson (Bronx, N.Y).; sister, Mary Alice Cummings (Newburg, N.Y.), a total of 70 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren, godson James Washington, two special aides, Tina Lacey and Tanya Ware, special friends Ms. Jackie Jarmon and Jane Brown and a host of relatives, family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2003 Wilson Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44506. Pastor Derrick H. Anderson will officiate. Interment will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

Arrangements entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Youngstown and Steubenville, Ohio. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.