Diana Rabb-Toy

Diana Lynn Rabb Toy affectionately called "Diane" was born on September 3, 1970, in Wichita Falls, Texas on Shepard Air Force Base, to Chief Master Sgt. Willie F & JoAnn Reed Rabb. Because of her fathers' military status, the family quickly moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Tinker Air Force Base. In 1973, Diana's parents decided to return to JoAnn's hometown of Denver, Colorado, where they could raise their daughter around family. Diana had an opportunity to attend Cheeseman Academy, a unique private school during her elementary school years. While in the 5th grade, her parents chose St Mary's Academy in Englewood, Colorado. Diana continued her education and graduated in 1988. During those years at St Mary's Academy, Diana was active in the choir, theatre and many other auxiliaries. It was at St Mary's that Diana began traveling with her mother, JoAnn. It was no secret that the two were great traveling companions. The two noted that their most memorable trips included Australia, 2 cruises, Disney Land and Disney World. Immediately following graduation from high school, Diana attended a year at Hasting College in Hastings, Nebraska. Due to her diagnosis of Diabetes and its challenges, Diana and her parents agreed that attending college locally would be in her best interest. In 1993, Diana received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. This was very courageous, because she not only battled the physical effects of diabetes; Diana continued to seek personal success in her life. After graduation, Diana became employed with Martin Luther Homes, where she managed a residential community based home for developmentally disabled children. At a very early age, Diana joined Shorter A.M.E Community Church in Denver, Colorado, where she attended regularly. Diana was a very active member. She was an Usher for the Carter's Children Usher Board. She also joined the Young People's Division; always attending church conferences and could be seen on 5th Sunday representing the youth. Under the leadership of the late choir director, Verlon Horton, Diana sang in the children's choir, Togetherness For Perfection. In her teens, she joined The Revelation Wonders under the leadership of Daryl Walker. Diana also belonged to the Tri-Union Choir, a youth choir that was a combination of 3 Denver A.M.E. churches. In her early years, Diana would sing solo during communion "Let Us Break Bread Together". It was at church that Diana found her soprano voice, and continued to sing throughout her childhood and young adult life both at church and school. Many of Diana's lifelong friendships began at church. Diana was an only child, but she considered the McMillan Family as her extended family. That family relationship has span for 3 generations dating back to the 1940's. Jeffrey McMillan, Terry Boyd, Jonathan McMillan, and Morgan McMillan all attended church together, celebrated all holidays, learned piano together, went to the same elementary schools and got into neighborhood trouble together. Throughout their lives, the five have called each other "cousins, siblings and close friends." Diana was one of the many children; Erma Daniel aka "Nana" provided care for until her teen years. Diana's Aunt/Godmother, Margaret Reed was an instrumental force in her life. "Aunt Margie" as Diana called her, encouraged and supported her desire for college. In 1996, Diana decided to leave the nest. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she lived until her passing. Soon after her move to Georgia, Diana began a career in early childhood education. She worked in administration in daycare centers in the greater Atlanta area. While working in early childhood education, Diana met Willie Toy, Sr. they were married on September 4, 2013. Because of her mothers' health, Diana decided to stop working and move her mother, to Atlanta; where she cared for her until JoAnn's passing in 2013. Diana leaves a void that can never be filled. To know Diana was to love her. Diana Lynn Rabb Toy departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on December 12, 2014, in Lithonia, Georgia. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her father, Chief Master Sgt. Willie F. Rabb of Denver, Colorado; her husband, Willie Toy Sr. of Lithonia, GA: her step grandmother, Blanche Reed of Denver, Colorado; her god daughter, Nikkeria Williams of Denver and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Service: 1/17/2015 at 1:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 1/17/2015 - Following the Service Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO