Dianne Aiken

Dianne Aiken, the daughter of the late Curley “Red” Aiken and the late Lina Mae Lingard Aiken, both of Ruffin, South Carolina, was born December 8, 1956, in Colleton County, South Carolina. Dianne, affectionately known as “Lady D” or “Senior” to her friends and family, transitioned peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Waldorf, Maryland.  

Early in life, she joined Red Root United Methodist Church, having at one time assisted with the Sunday School Youth. After moving to Leesburg, Florida in 2007, Dianne became a frequent visitor to The Father’s House Church. However, throughout the years and even over hundreds of miles, Dianne remained a lifetime, faithful and resolute member of Red Root United Methodist Church.

Dianne was a 1974 Graduate of Ruffin High School. She carried the lessons taught in Home Economics and friendships from her formative years throughout her life. In 2013, she continued her education with Kaplan University, earning an Associate’s Degree and Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services. Proving to be a true scholar, Dianne obtained a Master of Science Degree in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University and graduated with honors in 2018.

Dianne was a woman with many God given gifts and talents, which afforded her career opportunities ranging from hotel and restaurant hospitality, healthcare, account sales, and caregiver. The career that was near and dear to her heart was W.I.N. (Women, Inspiring and Nurturing) FOR KIDS where she was the House Parent and Caregiver to over 130 young women for more than twelve years. Dianne was honored in 2019, with the “Group Caregiver Partner Award” for Outstanding Service and Dedication in foster care by Kid Central, Incorporated (KCI) – Ocala, Florida.

In 2020, Dianne retired and relocated to Waldorf, Maryland where she lived with her daughter and grandson. She joined a friend’s circle at the Waldorf Senior Recreation Center where she would convene weekly for fellowship, lunch, Bingo, and Pokeno.

Those who knew Dianne will remember her beautiful smile, thoughtfulness during holidays, sending greetings and birthday cards, watching game shows and soap operas (her favorites were General Hospital and The Young and the Restless), attending Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s concerts, listening to Adele, Mary J. Blige, and Bob Marley, eating freshly sliced tomatoes and boiled peanuts with a Pepsi, taking cruises, and the unwavering love for her two children and the Lord. Family was the cornerstone of Dianne’s life. 

She was preceded in death by her two siblings Francis Aiken, and Goldie Aiken Salley, and God Mother, Heartha Lingard Generette.

She leaves to cherish precious memories, her two children; Tamiko Aiken of Waldorf, Maryland, and Richard Aiken (Demetrice) of Mount Holly, North Carolina; three grandsons, Jelani Omari Fair, Jr. of Waldorf, Maryland and Isaiah Aiken  and Adriell Aiken of Mount Holly, North Carolina; two sisters, Lillie Aiken of Walterboro, South Carolina and Pamela Aiken of Santee, South Carolina; three brothers, Mark Anthony Aiken, Mitchell Aiken, and James Aiken all of Ruffin, South Carolina;  Close Cousin, Herman Lingard, Jr.  and Best Friend and Sister, Yvette Crawford both of Ruffin, South Carolina. A sister-in-law, Tawana Aiken of Ruffin, South Carolina; brother-in-law, James Salley of Walterboro, South Carolina. She shared a special relationship with her surviving aunts and uncles; Katherine Breland, Gaffernell “Mama Nell” Hayes, Sylvia Lingard, Marion Lingard (Annie Mae) all of Ruffin, South Carolina, and Edgar Akins (Annie Lee) of Yemassee, South Carolina. She shared a special bond with her Great Aunt Thelma Greene of Brooklyn, New York;  three God Daughters, Kellee Edwards, Deanna Edwards both of Walterboro, South Carolina and Constance Lingard Lucas of Summerville, South Carolina along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Dianne’s legacy will continue to flourish in the memories she has left behind and the positive impact she has had on so many. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will forever remain a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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