In God's infinitive wisdom called home his sweet angel, Mrs. Diane Patricia Allen-Copeland. She was born on October 24, 1951 in Petersburg, VA to the late Frank L. Allen, Sr. and Dora Starling-Allen. At a young age, she joined Good Shepherd Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend Thomas.

The family resided in The Delectable Heights Community. Her church and schools were within walking distance, relatives were close by, and Johnny Byrd's corner store was the hot spot. She was enrolled at Wyche's Kindergarten and Daycare, followed by Virginia Avenue Elementary School and was a proud member of the Historic Peabody High School Class of 1969.

Diane was employed for more than 25 years with Phillip Morris USA in Richmond, VA, until her retirement. From there, she set a goal to enjoy life. She began to travel, shopping became her hobby, and she was all so wiling to share her very direct words of encouragement to say the least. During her retirement, she became a staple in the Matoaca Manor Community. She often supported her community and kept a watchful eye on all of the neighborhood children who referred to her as, "Ma Copeland".

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her namesake niece, "Lil" Diane Allen.

She is survived by three sons, Derrick C. Copeland, Sr,, (Tara), Germell L. Copeland, and Clinta T. Copeland; one brother, Mr. Frank L. Allen, Jr.; grandchildren, Derrick Jr, Samantha, Tajon, Kemari, Destiny, Tre,  and Talaiya; step-daughter, Nicole Henley and her children, Tynique, De'Sean, Jazmine, Jayvien; one nephew, Frank L. Allen III (Ashley); two nieces, Ebony Allen and Essence Allen; two loyal and affectionate younger cousins, Felicia Burnette and Deborah Williams; devoted friends, Ms. Patricia Diane Greenhill, Ms. Sandra Mason and Ms. Nancy Wyatt; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too many to list. Lastly but not least, Diane is survived by her life long and most devoted friend, Mr. Melton Cutler, Sr.

Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Barry O. Brown, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.