Dianne Chase

Reverend Dianne Simmons Chase, 65, of Charleston, West Virginia, peacefully transitioned among close family June 3, 2023, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia. She was born May 17, 1958, and lived an amazing life doting on family and friends.

Dianne was born in Kinston, North Carolina. She graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland, in 1976. That year her class celebrated the Bicentennial. Later Dianne would attend Job Corps in Charleston, WV, where she studied cosmetology.

Dianne or “Di”, as she was called by family and special friends, coined the word “Mama” which is what she lovingly called our mom. She was a very spirited and energetic young lady that loved life. Dianne enjoyed dancing, singing, and clothes. Ms. “Feisty”, as she was tenderly called by one of the teachers, was the headliner in a middle school fashion show.  Yes, she was good. Dianne also participated in a traveling gospel youth group. She also was a stylish dresser and never left the house without making sure that everything was in place from head to toe. We could always count on Dianne to outdress us, mostly because she was wearing our clothes. She always wore a smile and had a laugh that could make you laugh even after she just made you mad. Dianne was a mild-tempered person and we never saw her angry; however, there were plenty of times she would give you a piece of her mind then quickly walk away with that infectious smile. Some of her favorite activities were arts and crafts, hair designs, and music. Dianne also loved working on computers.

While attending Job Corps Dianne met the love of her life, John Chase. They began to start their family and were married in a private family ceremony May 30, 1998.

Dianne did various jobs, such as childcare, volunteering at the Salvation Army, and catering alongside her husband.

Dianne visited several churches until she found a church home at Ebenezer Baptist Church. While attending there she served as a choir member, usher, and was on the kitchen committee. Dianne would visit New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church to see her grandchildren sing in the children’s choir. She loved the spirit within the church and decided to join in 2008. There Dianne formed a children’s liturgical dance team, Tiny Steps Ordered by the Lord, and she went on to form a women’s liturgical dance team, Ladies of Praise. Dianne studied theology because she wanted to become a pastor. Her love for the word of God was astounding. She studied all the time because she wanted to show herself approved. Dianne instilled the Word to everyone she met.

Dianne was predeceased by her spouse, John Chase, father, Raymond Smith, brother, Raymond Vernon Smith, and granddaughter, Nayona Chase.

Dianne leaves to cherish in memory four daughters; Lawanda Chase-Jackson (Ronald), Michelle Chase, Yalanda Walker (Jeremy), and Felita Chase, all of Charleston, WV,  bonus children, John Erving Chase, Indianapolis, IN, John Chase, Jr., (Terrica), William Dotson (Sharon), Patricia Webb (Rick), Darlene Franklin, and Toni Gore (John), all of Charleston, WV, granddaughters, Chynna, Sheria, Ivy, and Mercedes, grandsons, Ronnie, III, Jay’Sean, Steven Jr., and Javion, mother, Mamie Smith, Berlin, MD, five sisters, Pauline Jenkins (James, deceased), Philadelphia, PA, Athena Gibbs (Amos, deceased), Berlin, MD, Patricia Drummond (Tyrone, Sr.) Pasadena, MD, Jeanette Simmons (Samuel Foreman, deceased), Berlin, MD, Geraldine Tate (Donald, Sr.) Willards, MD, brother, Raymond Allen Simmons, Berlin, MD, aunt, Ella Johnson, Kinston, NC, childhood friends, Rebecca Robbins and Waetina Tingle, Berlin, MD, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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