Diana M. Winkler

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Baltimore, there lived a beautiful princess named DIANA MARIE THORNTON, Born to legendary parents, the late Eustace and Effie Thornton, on the 19th of October 1945, Princess Diana was a true embodiment of her regal name.

As she grew, she attended the finest schools in the land, graduating from Eastern High School in 1964. Though she humbly worked as a teenager and young adult, her determination led her to enroll in a career readiness program on North Avenue, where she eventually landed a prestigious position as an Executive Assistant at Fort Worthington Elementary School.  

In 1965, Princess Diana's heart was captured by a handsome Prince named Roy Wallace Winkler, and they were wed. From their union, two shining stars were born-Yolanda, whom she lovingly called "New-New", as she was in awe of her new babygirl and a son, Don whom her dear sister nicked named "Dudsy". Diana loved him dearly.

The Princess, with a heart full of love and devotion, dedicated her entire life to her children, ensuring they lived in the grandest of neighborhoods, mingled with the children of noble families, were dressed in the finest garments, outfitted with the finest Zimmerman's shoes, received the most privileged education and embodied the virtues of family values; obedience and respect. She was a loving, but firm disciplinarian. Her guidance was sought by many young people throughout her illustrious career in education.

As her children blossomed, so did her family, for she was blessed to become mother to her sisters' child and grandchild, the late Darren Montgomery and Tiara Smith, whom she loved and raised with all her heart as her own.

Princess Diana accepted God as her personal Lord and savior early in her life and later joined Bethel AME Church with her children under the ministerial leadership of Frank Madison Reid, III. Princess Diana's devotion to her faith was unwavering as she regularly attended Bethel AME Church on Sundays, and even for special events with her daughter. She beamed with pride as she celebrated her children's accomplishments in academia, military and government. She was overjoyed to witness the union of her children with their beloved partners. the arrival of her precious grandchildren, Kristians and Donovan, brought her boundless joy and she loved them unconditionally, seeing only perfection in their every action.  

After a long and illustrious career in education, Princess Diana, also known as Ms. Winkler, retired in 2009 and lived her best life, traveling with her daughter, doting on her grandchildren and visiting her son and his family in the sunny land of California.

But as all fairytales must come to an end, on January 25, 2023, the time came for Princess Diana to bid farewell to her earthly kingdom and be summoned by the Almighty to ascend to the heavenly kingdom, where she was bestowed the grand title of Queen. She was received with open arms by the angels and reunited with her loved ones who had passed before her.

Queen Diana will be forever remembered as a loving mother, principal, teacher and office administrator. Her legacy will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched during her time in the Kingdom of Baltimore. She leaves to celebrate her life; daughter, Yolanda (Chris); son, Don (Rosa); grandchildren, Aubrey (Roxy), Kristiana, Donovan, Xavier, Samantha and Nyle; great-grand, Marli; sister, Josephine Knox; great niece, Tiara; nephews, Calvin and  Orlando; great nephew, Warren; bonus daughters, Tabatha, Charline, Tasha, Nyki and Nikki; and a host of other relatives and friends.

And, they all lived happily ever after. 

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