Stephanie Diane Underwood Tyson

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 11, 2022

On June 28, 2022, God called Stephanie Diane Underwood Tyson home to eternal rest. “Diane” as she was affectionately called was born on May 3, 1953, to Oscar Wilber Underwood Sr. and Lucille Underwood in Pittsburgh Pa. Diane was the third of five children and only daughter. Although the “lady of the bunch”, she could hang just as tough with her brothers and was a force to be reckoned with. They knew who was actually in charge.

Before Diane’s transition to heaven, she lived an exciting and luminous life. You always knew when Diane was in the room from that distinct, bellowing laughter of hers that permeated the place. You couldn’t help but join in the laughter and you were just as happy. Diane had a way of making everyone around her feel good! She was full of life and had friends who became family from all walks of life. She never met a stranger that didn’t become family.

Diane received her formal education through the Duquesne Public School System from grades K-8. Due to her friendly and gregarious personality, it was no surprise that she became a cheerleader while in high school.   Diane was a trail blazer the only Black girl on her cheer leading squad. While attending Duquesne Senior High School, Diane met Russell Boston, her “high school sweetheart” and they were blessed with a son, Marlin Underwood.

Diane graduated from Duquesne Senior High School in 1971. While establishing a strong, work ethic and garnering respect from colleagues, Diane continued to enjoy life to the fullest and during this time, met Frankie Francis. From this courtship, they were gifted with a precious daughter, Faime Lynette Francis. Diane was a long-tenured employee with Pittsburgh Equitable Gas. While there, she forged lifetime friendships and met her future husband, Joe Tyson who were united in holy matrimony in 1984. In 2000, she began her illustrious career as “Correctional Officer Tyson” with Allegheny County Jail. Diane was respected and cherished by colleagues and friends a journey that spanned 22 years forging lifelong friendships. Diane retired earlier this year and was looking forward to spending quality time with her grandchildren and enjoying her favorite pastime, bingo.

A woman of great joy, perseverance, and strength, she lived life from pillars of family and friends. Diane was fiercely protective of her family. If she even thought that you weren’t treating a member of her family with the love and concern, she did, a “special meeting” with Diane was sure to take place. Her love ran deep for her family, and she never hesitated to share tha fact with all whom she knew.       

Diane was predeceased by her father, Oscar Wilber Underwood Sr.; siblings, Oscar Wilber Underwood Jr., Clayton Worthy, Kathy Wight, Sheila Riddick and Stephanie Diane Young; niece, Marisha Underwood McGeorge; nephews, Daniel Underwood and Elton Underwood She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted mother, Lucille Underwood; loving son and daughter, Marlin (“Booji") Elliot Underwood and Faime Lynette Francis; special daughter in-law, Letia Underwood; beloved grandchildren, Kyaire Sumpler, Paul Francis, Gavin Underwood and Londyn Underwood ; protective brothers, Larry Underwood, Anthony Underwood, Derrick Underwood, Dennis Baker and Gregory Lane; “favorite uncle”, Gregory Webster; cherished sister-in laws, Carol Nixon, Gussie Underwood, Cynthia Lee,  Marilyn Underwood and Gwen Underwood; adored nieces and nephews, Asia “Diane” Underwood, the oldest who was affectionately named after her aunt and her “look-alike”, Tawon “Man” Underwood who was morelike a son, Shamira Underwood, Lamontae Underwood, Javon Underwood, Daniel Underwood, Toby Underwood, Kevin Underwood and Chad Underwood; childhood friends, Stephanie Pitts,  Lynn Johnson;  Vicky Cook, Penny Kirkland, Kathy Rawlins and Marilyn Coleman (Buckeye) her “Ride or Die.” There are so many relatives including great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and extended family that we truly wish could be named here, but please know that we know, you loved Diane in life and mourn her passing too.

Diane, a woman of style and grace, so loved people, and life!  If she loved you, you knew and felt that intensely. Now she’s resting with her heavenly father who loved her the most!

A gathering of family and friends was held at Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne. Arrangements were in the care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

Originally published July 11, 2022.

Other deaths:
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