Diane Redfearn Broome

September 14, 1947 – September 12, 2022

Diane entered in to Heaven on September 12, 2022 after a brief illness. Most recently a longtime
resident of Bluff Park, Alabama, Diane was born to Oscar Laurence Redfearn and Daphne Williams
Redfearn on September 14, 1947 in Parrish, Alabama. Diane spent most of her youth in Sylacauga,
Alabama until she began college.
Diane attended Jacksonville State University and received her degree in Secondary Education. She
later attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned her Masters Degree in
Counseling. Diane met her future husband Marvin at JSU, though at that point they remained just
friends. Upon graduation in 1969, she moved to Birmingham to begin her teaching career at A.H.
Parker High School. There, she taught English and French and spent many years working as a
guidance counselor, helping graduating seniors apply to college. After more than thirty years as an
educator, Diane retired from Parker in May 2000.
While Diane was a young teacher at Parker, Marvin returned from serving in the US Navy overseas.
After years apart, they began dating and were married on July 31, 1971. Residing in Birmingham,
they gave birth to a daughter, Mandy, and a son, Kerry, before moving to Bluff Park in 1980. Marvin
and Diane joined Bluff Park United Methodist Church in 1989 and became active members of the
Church’s Wesley Forum Sunday School Class.
Diane loved to help people and she participated in many volunteer activities through the church,
including chaperoning mission trips with her children, helping at the annual BBQ Fundraiser Bake
Sale, and serving meals at First Light - a center for homeless women and children.
In her retirement years, Diane held a part-time job with Hallmark and would often run into friends while
sorting greeting cards in Publix and Walgreens. She was an avid reader. As a member of several
book clubs, Diane enjoyed nothing more than discussing her latest read over lunch with friends.
Diane always held a place in her heart for her former colleagues and students from Parker High
School and took great joy in the times they spent together.
Diane is preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Yvonne and Harry Embry. She is survived
by her husband of 51 years, Marvin, daughter, Mandy Duncan of Trussville (Chris), son, Kerry Broome
of Arlington, VA (Kimberly), and her sister, Caroline Redfearn of Austin, TX (Keith). She adored her
grandchildren, Abby Treubig (Noah), Emma Duncan, Sarah Duncan, Colin Broome and Landon
Broome and great-grand children Grayson Treubig and Lilah Treubig. She also had many nieces,
nephews and cousins who loved her dearly.
Many of her friends and family members have described Diane as “their best friend.” She was a
fantastic listener and always knew exactly what to say in any situation. She gave the best advice, and
was a joy to everyone who knew her. She absolutely adored her family.
Recently, Diane left her job at Hallmark and found an organization in Birmingham in which to
volunteer. The Church of the Reconciler in Birmingham has partnered with a non-profit organization
called Community on the Rise. This non-profit assists persons who are experiencing homelessness
by helping them obtain state identification and birth certificates in order for them to find jobs and
housing. This work became very special to Diane as she could see a tangible difference they were
making in other people's lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Community on the Rise,
112 14th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203, www.communityontherise.com or by calling 205-324-
6402.

Cremation Center of Birmingham (205) 970-6886