Diane Amaker-Spears was born on August 24, 1958 in Manhattan, New York to the late Tommie and Mary Amaker. Diane was raised in East Harlem, Carver Houses. She attended P. S. 171 for Elementary School and graduated with her High School diploma from Julia Richmond High School. She went on to LaGuardia Community College and obtained her Associates Degree. Diane started her career at Metropolitan Hospital as a Dietary Aide, where she worked alongside her father and grandmother until the birth of her first child, Vanessa. It was at this time she married and produced five children through this union whom she loved with all she had. There was not a time that you did not see Diane without her "Tribe". Diane was raised in Bethel Church of our Lord Jesus Christ under the leadership of Elder Bell Sr. and continuing with Bishop Bell Jr. and then Pastor Harris. She and her family were known for participating and attending services at Bethel Church. It has been the only spiritual home of her entire family. In her youth, she served as a Jr. Missionary, Usher, the Bethel Teen Choir's youngest member, Choir Director, and a beautiful but shy Soloist. Her harmonies can be heard in the voices of her children whom she passed many of her gifts to. With the true heart of a servant, Diane spent the last 27 years giving back to her community the best way she knew how, by being there! For many years she had been advocating for the needs of families she grew up with as a PTA President, and the only Parent Coordinator of PS 171, her childhood and community school. This year, Diane was recognized by her District 4, Department of Education colleagues, for holding the title of Parent Coordinator since the position was created in 2001, an accomplishment very few have achieved. She had the pleasure of retiring in June, 2021. Diane was truly one of kind. Her meek and gentle demeanor, warm smile and great advice will forever go unmatched. Her gift of love and loyalty, her strength and patience will be missed by every friend who became family, every child she loved, every parent she helped and a community that will forever grieve her loss. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother and granddaughter. To carry her legacy, Diane leaves behind: her beloved five children, Vanessa, Davida, Matthew, Latoya and Brieanna Spears; eight grandchildren, Calvin Jr., Jarell Jr., Levi, Lola, Love, Darell and Artis Jr.; her sister, Tangie; nephews, Donovan, Sidon, Kaion and Jayden; four goddaughters, Atiya, Anika, Victoria and Danielle; and a host of family and friends. Lovingly submitted by, The Family