Dekota Tilley

It is with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our Mom Diane Tilley, on June 2, 2024.  

Diane was born in West Virginia and was the youngest of ten brothers and sisters.  She married Thomas Tilley in 1963 and had two sons Thomas and Gene. She was widowed in 2001 after 38 years of marriage. 

Diane  touched the lives of many cooking and hosting barbecues for the community in New York.  She was a deputy on the tenant patrol and cared deeply for the Redfern community. She was a liaison for NYPD and received many awards and salutations for helping to decrease crime. Diane encouraged community unity and building relationships with the NYPD by hosting barbecues, youth programs and community watch nights. It was not unusual to see police officers in her home for a taste of her famous fried chicken and iced tea.  Her love and desire for a safe community was always first in her heart. 

Diane was straight forward, honest and sometimes had tough words.  Her sense of humor and laughter was contagious.

She loved cooking, entertaining and putting out decorations for every holiday. 

She moved to Charlotte in 2012. She loved watching wrestling with Thomas and Jalen on Friday nights. Gene was often there virtually.

Diane loved her family.

She is survived by her sons Thomas and Eugene, daughter in law Monica, grandsons, Jalen and Javon, brother Eugene Coles, sister Clytie Matthew's and a host of nieces, nephews family and friends.

It is without a doubt that Diane's family was her pride and joy.

Her family will honor her wishes with a celebration of life at a later date.