Diane Minor

Diane (Thomas) Minor was born to the union of Mr. Morn Thomas and Mrs. Edith Mae Thomas on March 15, 1954 in Saint Louis, Missouri; they both preceded her in death. Diane was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System, graduating from Northwest High School.

She was baptized under the late Rev. Mitchel, and served in the church as the Adult and Youth and Young Adult Choir President under the leadership of Pastor Chalmes Glasper, Sr. at Greater Cornerstone M.B. Church. She followed his ministry when he formed New Christian Hope MB Church. Her mother, the late Mother Edith Thomas was also one of the founding members, and her sister Apostle Sabrina West, currently pastors. Mrs. Diane was elevated to “Mother” Diane in 2023 and she took her role of being a church mother very seriously. Mother Diane was also the church’s Hospitality Coordinator and served with dedication and in the spirit of excellence in this office. She served faithfully to New Christian Hope until her passing on her birthday.

She entered the nursing field as a newborn nursery specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital, this is were she met Mr. John Minor, it took her a while to take the bait, but they eventually began dating when Shan was 8 years old. They later married in April 1998. She faithfully took care of her husband and they continually came to church consistently.

Diane withstood many family members passing in the past months, her sister Cossie Matthews, her brother Caster Thomas, and her nephew Brandon West. Her sister Joyce Reed preceded her in August 2015 and her brother Willie also transitioned in October 2022.

Diane was a natural caregiver and wanted the best for everyone. She had to endure open heart surgery, and dialysis, 3 times a week, yet kept a warm smile and encouraging words for all who encountered her. Diane was the epitome of her favorite expression “All is well”. Last year Diane became an “I Am” fashion model for the NCHOPE “Surge” Tea Conference, she and Shantial walked in the Mother/Daughter segment for Dr. Nafeesah Lester and they ripped the runway together.

Diane loved traveling and visited Hawaii in November 2024, which was on her bucket list, she also had other trips planned with her family, however she took an eternal trip on Saturday, March 15, 2025 (on her birthday, Diane was 71) a trip she did not have to pack or plan for, But God knew the traveling details he laid out in Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, for your welfare and peace.“

Diane leaves to cherish her fond memories: her husband, Mr. John H. Minor, her only daughter Shantial Rowsey, brother Desmond Thomas. Sister Sabrina (Todd) West, 2 uncles Earl (Patricia) Hunter of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Ivory “Joe” Hunter of Chicago, Illinois. Very close in-laws and relatives in Kentucky (John’s hometown), Some special friends, Robbie Owens, Annette Harrison, Viviana Brady and Sharon Chisholm(who preceded her in death, Diane loved her great host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.