DeGwendolyn Diane (Johnson) Boston

DeGwendolyn Diane (Johnson) Boston affectionately known to her family as Gwen and her friends as Diane fell asleep peacefully at the age of 74 on Sunday, July 2, 2023 after her meeting surrounded by her family. She was born on April 17, 1949 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Clem Edward Johnson Sr. and Lillian Veronica (Durham) Johnson. She worked many jobs while completing her schooling, majoring in English. It was her job at Indiana Bell that brought her much joy as a telephone operator. When Diane was just a baby her parents received a knock at the door that would change their lives forever. Diane's mother studied the bible and became a faithful witness of Jehovah. Diane, being the oldest, would assist her mother and made sure she and her siblings attended the meetings, assemblies, and conventions. She had a deep love for her siblings and for her God, Jehovah. It was at the 1958 convention in New York at Yankee Stadium where Diane’s love for Jehovah and his organization truly flourished. As a teenager, she dedicated her life to Jehovah on August 10, 1968. After being baptized, she enjoyed vacation pioneering as auxiliary pioneering was called then. In 1969 at a circuit assembly, Diane saw and met a young man that would become the love of her life. She would often say that she knew he needed her, and that if any of her girls acted the way she did. (smile) That young man said it was her smile and the Jonathan Logan suit she was wearing. On Saturday, June 20, 1970, Diane, being a true daddy’s girl, walked down the aisle with her father to marry the love of her life Arthur Todd Boston Sr. They were married for 53 years and l2 days, hardly ever leaving each other’s side. Anyone who knows Todd and Diane knew they were deeply in love, often showing their affection for one another without hesitation. Todd referred to Diane as his “Dream Girl” and Diane referred to Todd as her “#1 Baby or her Balloon”. To their union were born 4 children: 3 sons and 1 daughter. Their love did  not stop there. Jehovah blessed them with their spiritual adopted daughter. Diane and Todd lovingly made her a part of their growing family stating “with 4 kids what’s one more” (smile). Diane had a special bond with all of her children. The love she had for each of them had no end. She was there when they needed her, often being the rock they needed, a shoulder to cry on or just a listening ear. She was always ready to direct them to God’s word the Bible for advice. Diane’s love did not stop there. She loved her children, but she LOVED her four grandchildren Judea, Jordon, Jalyn, and Ky-Verson and great  grandchildren Jaden, Isabella. Kolby, and Averie. Diane had a big heart and a smile to match. She enjoyed preaching about her God Jehovah devoting many hours each month even as her health declined. She was so happy that she was able to auxiliary pioneer during the month of June, and she eagerly anticipated the upcoming  regional convention. She was happy to invite the ones she met to attend the convention, often sharing a video or invitation with them. She also took joy in getting ready for the convention, having her daughter run errands making sure her husband had his suits and she had her outfits and accessories to match. She could not wait to have her great niece cut her hair and get her manicure and pedicure. When she wasn’t preaching, she often spent time in her yard or with her beautiful  plants. She took pride in her yard and in taking care of her flowers. Diane longed for the day when she would be in paradise with her family in her ceiling to floor glass windows so she could view Jehovah’s beautiful creation. Diane is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Finley S. Johnson, Etta F. (Roney) Johnson and maternal grandparents Willie D. Durham and Marietta (Walker) Durham. Herparents Clem E. Johnson Sr. and Lillian V. Johnson, brother Clem E. Johnson Jr., mother- in- law Voyia E. Boston, spiritual parents-in-law Elizie and Jacqueline Alexander, as well as many other dear  family members.Diane longs for her family to greet her in a paradise on earth when her heavenly father Jehovah and his son Jesus call out “Diane wake up”. Until that time she leaves to cherish her memory her best friend and husband of over 53 years Arthur Todd Boston Sr. Her daughter Diane P. Williams, sons Arthur Todd Boston Jr. Stephen LaMonte (Conquista Riki’) Boston, Joel Ryan (Beverly) Boston and daughter Veronica Elaine “Lainie” (Jarad) Douglas. Grandchildren Judea, Jordon, Jalyn, and Ky-Verson Boston. Great grandchildren Jaden, Isabella. Kolby, and Averie. Siblings Rudy F. (Jean) Johnson, La Etta M. (John) Walker, and Wanda A. (Lawerence Sr.) Walker. Brothers-in-law John Boston Sr., William M. (Patricia E.) Alexander. Sisters-in-law Sandra Boston, Velma (Robert) Charlie, Jacqueline (Jack) Smith, Sharon (David) Watkins. Special cousins Corena Graves, Charles (Jimmie) Ferguson I, Idella Poston, and Marcia (Jeff) Graggs. A host of close nieces, nephews, spiritual brothers and sisters,  spiritual children and grandchildren, and many dear family and friends. Diane will look forward to greeting all she whom loved and loved her in paradise on earth 

Services

Time: Saturday, July 22nd at 2:00 P.M. Family will receive friends at 1:00 P.M.

Location: Westwood Congregation Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1530 N. James H. McGee Blvd, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Zoom login: 113710449

Password: Westwood

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