Diana Colbert

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Diana Marie Fields-Colbert transitioned to be with the Lord on September 19, 2020 at the age of 67 following a bout with a long illness.

Diana was born on May 2, 1953, to the late Dave Levi & Exie Bell Edwards-Fields in Joplin, Missouri at St John's Hospital. In that union she was the youngest daughter of 12 siblings from a combine marriage. 

She attended and graduated from George Washington Carver Nursery School, McKinley Elementary, East Junior High, Memorial High School, Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri Southern, BS Business Administration, Pittsburg University, MS Business Administration and courses for EDS in Human Resources.

Diana was a lifelong Joplin resident and member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where at a young age was baptized and played the piano for the Youth choir. She ran track and was very active competing in sports and against her younger brothers. Diana was NAACP Youth Chapter President in her late teens and later became the Adult Chapter President serving for several years, following after one of Joplin’s renowned Civic Leaders Mr. Duncan Brown.

Diana had a successful career working for the state of Missouri Career Development Center where she started in Joplin conducting local recruiting, counseling clients and creating job placement programs. She was later promoted to run a National program with Job Corp throughout the Midwest. Diana was responsible for recruiting and placement of individuals across the United States. 

Prior to her retirement due to illness, she was responsible for managing the recruitment territory for southwest Missouri. While a Board Member at the George Washington Carver Nursery School she worked tirelessly to obtain a Community Development Grant for $24,000 to complete various projects. As President of the Negro Community Center gained funding for the purchase of the adjoining building and renovation to the existing building. Diana was also an accomplishment grant writer.

Diana married Donald Colbert on April 13, 1979 and loved her husband dearly. God blessed them with 3 beautiful children DeLonte’ (Stephanie), Doniqua and Damian and 3 grandchildren Garyn, Camden and Korbyn. Their union blossomed on all levels that life could bring a sharing and caring family. Diana was a “loving” wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend that always promoted positive feelings. God has once again showed us his amazing grace by gifting us with Diana to demonstrate his “love” and “compassion”.

Diana is also survived by her, brothers Frank Holmes, Henry Fields (Cheryl), James Fields and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. For several years Diana received special and loving care from Twanna Anthony. Diana enjoyed her company and most recently her little buddy Legend. The family thanks Twanna for her tireless effort in caring for Diana. Preceding her in death are Dave (dad), Exie (mom); Dave Jr., Chester, Walter, Otis, Ogis and Julius (brothers); and Vanilla and Gladys(sisters).

In lieu of flowers, memorial fund considerations can be forwarded to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 214 North School Street, Joplin MO 64801 (417-781-6675) in honor of Diana Colbert-Fields.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Villa Heights Christian Church. Reverend Samuel Nero will officiate. Practicing Social Distancing and wear masks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.