Elder Diane Juanita Bazemore

DIANE JUANITA BAZEMORE daughter of the late Sherman E. Hardy and Rita E. Hardy, was born on March 4, 1956 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on June 14, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Diane was educated in Roman Catholic and Baltimore City Public School System. She was a member of Local Union 194, where she worked as a foreman in construction. As such, she was involved in the construction of a number of buildings in Baltimore City. One of her last construction projects was working on the dolphin extension at the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Diane was formerly married to Quinn “Wayne” Bazemore, and from that union they had two sons, Darnell and Joseph and two daughters Michele (preceded her in death) and Cassandra. Diane who was affectionately called “Nana” by not only her grandchildren but also by all of the family’s children whom she loved and adored. Nana enjoyed spending time with and cooking for all of her grandchildren. Cooking was definitely one of her most favorite things to do and anyone who ever had her macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pies or potato salad could certainly attest to that. Diane especially enjoyed game-nights with the family. Those who knew her did not want to be an opponent of hers during a competitive game of spades. She will definitely be missed by all who knew and loved her. Diane loved the Lord and in 1991 she re-dedicated her life to Christ becoming a minister. As she continued to serve the Lord, she was ordained Elder Bazemore and was a dedicated and faithful servant. Prior to her illness, Elder Bazemore was an active member of the New Freedom Baptist Church where she served on the Elder Ministry as well as the Building Fund Ministry. She always made herself available to assist Pastor on various projects or where ever she was needed. She taught youth classes (3-5 year olds) during Sunday service; sold tickets and cooked dinners for numerous events. Elder Bazemore not only helped to minister to other members at New Freedom, but she was instrumental in spreading the Lord’s word to any and every one she came in contact with. She would always greet you with a smile and “Praise the Lord”. Diane leaves behind to cherish her memory: her sons, Darnell (Lana) and Joseph (Kera); her daughter, Cassandra (Israel); three grandchildren, Devin, Danielle and Brian; her brothers Sherman Eugene Hardy (Gloria), Donald Hardy (Marilyn) and Richard Hardy; her sisters, Lois Lawrence (Sheldon), Lori Ratliff, Catherine Hardy, Brenda Hardy-Holloman (Deon), Bernadette Simmons (Kenneth), Gwendolyn Johnson (Wayne Sr.) and Yvette Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death and now welcoming her home are her brothers Melvin Hardy, Michael Larkins and sister Sharon Williams.

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Elder Diane Juanita Bazemore

March 4, 1956 - June 14, 2018