Diana Mae (Walker) McClain

Diana Mae McClain, aka “Lady Di”, 80, left this earthly realm on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at her home and surrounded by her family.

Diana was born on February 8, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MI, to a loving family.  She was the third oldest child from the union of William Fletcher and Rosalee Walker.  She attended South High School and in 1965 she was employed by General Motors Corporation, where she worked until she retired for medical reasons.

Diana married the love of her life, Charlie McClain in 1965 (Charlie was her brother Obe’s best friend).  Diana and Charlie had 5 children: 3 daughters and 2 sons.

She accepted the Lord in her early 20’s and was a faithful member of Bethel Pentecostal Church. She was active in the church, sang in the choir, worked in children’s and jail ministries.  Diana loved the Lord!  She yearned to learn as much about Him as possible, keeping many Bibles and study materials under her bed, and over time developed a wonderful library. She studied the Bible with much tenacity and even learned Greek and Hebrew to help her with her studies.  

God showed Diana much favor for her faithfulness.  There were so many times God just “showed out for her” but there is one thing that stands out above everything – the family recalls the time over 30 years ago, when she was visiting her daughter and son in Oregon,  she suddenly fell ill.  The medics responded immediately but she was pronounced dead upon their arrival.  Her family and her church family would not accept that she was dead and began rebuking the spirit of death. Prayer warriors began praying all over the United States and warring against the spirit of death.  For 17 minutes she was unresponsive. The paramedics were finally able to get a pulse and although it was weak and irregular, it was enough to transport her to the hospital. Once admitted to the hospital, family was told that she was in a coma and would probably not recover and if she did live she would be a vegetable. The prayers of the righteous prevailed, though, and Diana came back to life, fighting. She was blessed to live a long fulfilling life. 

Diana was a lover of the arts: she loved to draw, paint, wrote poetry, and enjoyed creating ceramic pieces for the family to enjoy.  She had a sweet tooth and loved to bake breads and cakes.  Diana was a “fashionista” as well she loved to dress and was jazzy too!  Shopping was her favorite past time. She loved jewelry and loved hats. As she aged, she became less agile and unable to go out to shop.  This did not limit or hindered Diana. She simply learned how to shop online.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, of 55 years, Charlie C. McClain, Sr. her parents, William F. Walker and Rosalee Walker,  her brothers, Eugene W. Walker and Robert W. Walker, Sr.  She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Sybrena Callier of Anchorage AK, Salena (David) Martin of Grand Rapids, MI, Lydia (Rev. Stephen) Bolden of Eugene, OR, Charlie C. (Carole) McClain, Jr.,  of Grand Prairie, TX and Russell Albert McClain also of Grand Rapids, MI; her sisters: Walriner Marie Talbert, Willa Bertha Walker and brother: Obedeen (Michelle) Walker, all of Grand Rapids, MI and brother; Charles (Edie) Edward Walker of Milwaukee, WI, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, a host of cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Friends of all ages.

 She will also be missed by her Dear Friends Leslie Barnett, Phyllis Carr and Lois Thomas.

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