Willie Dianne Madden

Willie Dianne (Lockett) Madden was born November 14, 1941 to the late Willie Reedus and Jessie (Lockett) Anthony. She was the second of two children. Preceded in death by both parents and brother, Kenneth Lockett.

Diane was educated in the Detroit public school system, where she graduated from Central High School in 1959.

Diane gave her life to Christ at an early age as a member of the Corinthian Baptist Church, where her grandfather was the 4th pastor from 1930 until his death in 1935. While serving in the Starlight usher board, Diane met and married Freddie Lee Madden (deceased) on September 29, 1962 officiated by Reverend F.P. Jones. Diane and Freddie went on to raise five children.

In 1973, Diane was employed at Ford Motor Company where she was instrumental in establishing the FMLA maternity leave policy which is currently the industry standard for women. She was also involved with the UAW Local 400 Romeo Engine plant women's committee until her retirement.

While at Corinthian Baptist Church, she was a member of the Carrie E. Phillips Mission Circle as well as part of the music ministry where she sang in the adult and mass choirs. Diane was part of the Sunday school, the usher board, youth ministries, vacation bible school, and was a church anniversary chairperson for multiple years. Because of her leadership in the district and state association, she became the National President for the Junior Matrons of the National Baptist Convention, USA, INC. She was also part of the Michigan Wolverines and the metropolitan district area.

In 2017, Diane relocated to the Dayton area to be with her daughter and her grandchildren. While in Dayton, she joined In His Presence World Ministry under Pastors/Founders Michele and Ron Ditto (current Pastor Angel Ditto). She was a member of the missionary board consisting of the mothers of the church. She was an avid attendee of Bible Study and Sunday School until her transition.

Diane leaves to mourn her children, Keenan Madden (Dayton, Ohio), Kellie Madden (Harlem, New York), Fredrick Lee Madden II (Atlanta, Georgia), Kerstina Madden (Atlanta, Georgia), and Tameka Starks (Deceased); 11 Grandchildren; 4 Great-Grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Special Relationships:
Dorothy McCree
Ethman Schell

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, from 1:00pm – 2:00pm, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, where funeral services will begin at 2:00pm.