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 of New Castle, Pennsylvania. Diane, also lovingly known as “Big Mama” and “Grandma,” was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, a daughter of the late John Henry and Rebecca Witherspoon Johnson.

Diane’s 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, before continuing her education at Bennettsville High School in Blenheim, South Carolina.

She later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before establishing her roots in Ohio in the early 1960s. Diane worked as a clerk for Goodwill Industries and later retired as a Teacher’s Aide with the Youngstown Public School System. She also served as a Case Manager for Mahoning County Job and Family Services, worked with the Youngstown Community Action Council, and served as a county case worker over the Food Stamp Program. Diane was deputized as a Deputy Sheriff under Chief Wellington for the senior citizens of Tandy Apartments in Campbell, Ohio. She also worked as a Nutrition Aide for the State of Ohio and served as a Notary Public for more than 40 years. In addition, she was the Manager and Bookkeeper for the former Club 541. Diane truly was a jack of all trades while serving faithfully throughout her community.

She was a devoted member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she sang in the Senior Choir, served on the Senior Usher Board, and faithfully held the role of Mother of the Church.

Diane will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Joan Johnson, Vanessa Clark, Veronica Thurston, and Rebecca Jenkins, all of Youngstown and Warren, Ohio, and Idella Bell; her sons, Lonnie (Rheba) Jenkins of Norman, Oklahoma, Charles Jenkins of Youngstown, Ohio, and Alvin Jenkins of New Castle, Pennsylvania; her brothers, William Johnson of Tampa, Florida, Henry Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Tom (Shirley) Johnson of Bronx, New York; her sister, Mary Alice Cummings of Newburgh, New York; a total of 70 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren; her godson, James Washington; two special aides, Tina Lacey and Tanya Ware; a special friend, Jane Brown; and a host of relatives, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, 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; her brother in law, Handy Gause; her first husband, Lonnie Jenkins; her son in law, Frederick Clark; her daughter in law, Deborah Dennis Jenkins; her grandson, Brian Jenkins; her granddaughters, Deana Jenkins and Jasmine Thorpe; her great granddaughters, Felisha Ward and D’Aiza Jenkins; and two godsons, Phillip Fuzell and Ronald Washington, whom the family takes comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms.

Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, the family finds solace in the many memories she leaves behind.

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.