Diane Cameron Gray Daniels

Sister Diane Cameron Gray Daniels was born on November 23, 1946, in Lake City, South Carolina, to Lutherine Cameron and Levy Gray, Sr. of Lake City, South Carolina, and was the first of five children. She also had four older siblings from her father's previous marriage to Ms. Edna Brown (Gray). The family attended Greater St. James AME Church in Lake City, SC, where Sister Diane accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. During her teenage years, she taught children's bible study, focusing on scripture memorization and Christian songs. She was a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Northwest Washington, DC for several years. In 2018, Sister Diane joined Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the senior choir. Sister Diane completed her elementary, middle, and high school education in Lake City, SC, graduating with honors from Carver High School on May 28, 1964. During high school, she also took sewing classes and made her own clothes. In 1966, she relocated to Washington, D.C. and secured a position as a seamstress at G Street Fabrics in Northwest Washington, D.C., where she created suits, wedding gowns, curtains, and other garments for several years. In 1975, Sister Diane enrolled in the District of Columbia Teachers College (now the University of the District of Columbia). While in college, she became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, though she was inactive at the time of her passing. Sister Diane graduated on May 14, 1978, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, she worked at various daycare centers. In the early 1980s, she was hired as an elementary school teacher with the District of Columbia Public Schools, teaching at Parkview Elementary School in Northwest, Washington, DC, until her retirement. After a brief retirement, Sister Diane accepted a teaching position with the Prince George's County Public Schools, working at Accokeek Academy Elementary School in Accokeek, MD. She retired from Accokeek Academy in 2017. Sister Diane was passionate about teaching and received numerous accolades for her service. During her tenure at Parkview Elementary, she provided clothing, coats, and shoes to students in need, offered financial support to single parents, and participated in fundraising efforts for the school and/or individuals. In 1967, she married Charles Daniels (Chester), III. They primarily resided in Prince George's County, Maryland, where they raised their children, Douglas, Marcus, Felicia, and Charles. Sister Diane was known for her generosity and dedication to helping others, particularly family and those in need. Sister Diane provided meal services to senior citizens, the general public, and the homeless population. Additionally, she enjoyed reading the bible, gardening, shopping, watching British movies and shows, and maintaining connections with family and friends via Facebook. She was considered the family’s historian, recording and tracking her family ancestry on Ancestry.com. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Daniels, III, her parents, Lutherine and Levy Gray Sr., and siblings Fred, Caroline, Jacqueline, Levi Jr., Geraldine, Gladys, and James. Sister Diane is survived by her children, Douglas (Pamela) Daniels, Marcus (Sheila) Daniels, Felicia (Tyhe) Daniels Smith, and Charles Daniels; her sister, Evelyn (Calvin) Barr and sister-in-law Sarah (James) Gray, along with 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Diane Cameron Gray Daniels

November 23, 1946 - August 1, 2025