Diane Cutts Oates was born on April 5, 1963 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany to the late Raymond Rufus Cutts and the late Beryl Dawes Cutts. She was the first born of four children to that union. She found everlasting peace on April 13, 2024.
Diane, being the child of a military family, attended multiple schools while she was young. She graduated from S. R. Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1981. She attended Howard University, however, graduated from Alabama A&M University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Diane also earned a Master of Business Administration in Management in 1994 from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. After graduation, she began work with IBM Corporation as a programmer/analyst and worked many roles with the company over the years. While working at IBM she received many awards, including the Thanks Award, Bravo Award, and Leadership Award. While working, she was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). She ultimately stopped working for IBM due to health challenges in May 2009.
Once she stopped working, Diane had a lot more time for one of her main passions, traveling. She embarked on countless expeditions, each journey a testament to her passion for discovering new places and adventures. From the bustling streets of metropolitan cities to the serene landscapes of remote islands, Diane embraced diverse cultures with open arms, fostering numerous connections. She often traveled with close friends or sorority sisters which created memories that would last a lifetime.
Diane was a proud member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., pledging when she attended Alabama A&M University. Throughout her life, Diane exemplified the values of Delta Sigma Theta, dedicating her time and talents to uplift and empower those in need. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Diane found kinship and purpose, forging lifelong bonds with her sisters and contributing to the collective efforts of the sorority to effect positive change. One of her biggest efforts was being a mentor and tutor to young women where she would listen to their life goals and provide guidance. Diane also used these opportunities to encourage self-confidence and foster a network of supportive peers.
Diane was married to Gary Deyampert Oates on December 29, 1990. Into that union two children were born; Kendall Dominique Oates and Jasmine Nicole Oates.
Diane was baptized at a young age and continued to have a solid faith throughout her life. She would often read books, listen to speeches, and join daily devotionals of Joyce Meyer. She was also an active member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama.
Preceding Diane in death are her grandparents: George Anderson Cutts and Willie Mae Flood along with Arthur Dawes and Lucine Christie; parents: Raymond and Beryl Cutts; sister, Sonia Cutts, and son, Kendall Dominique Oates.
Diane leaves to cherish her memories: loving daughter, Jasmine Oates of Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Raymond Cutts, Jr. of Huntsville, Alabama; sister, Dr. Sandra Cutts, of Madison, Alabama; aunts: Valerie Miller and Melva Jean Cutts; uncles: Fred Cutts, Gary Cherfon, and Conrad Dalling; nephew Jeremy (Sierra) Cutts; great-nephews, Justice and Judah Cutts; dear friends: Valerie Campbell, Debbie White, Melanie Washington, Janell Simmons, Lisa Marion, Dessie Johnson; a host of family in Jamacia and St. Louis, Missouri; and many other wonderful friends.
The memorial service of Ms. Diane Cutts Oates’ will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Don Darius Butler officiating.
The Omega Omega Service of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
There will be no public viewing.
