Diane Lorraine Charles

A native of Washington, D.C., Diane Fields was born on August 5, 1963, to Ray and Catherine Fields (Burnette). Diane became a woman of remarkable faith, strength and resilience while facing many challenges in her life with grace and an unwavering spirit. She was known for her compassion, kindness, generosity, and willingness to help and fight for others. Diane had a grand sense of humor and an infectious love of music and dancing. Diane touched the lives of countless people; this is what she lived for.

Diane attended D.C. public & private schools, including Langdon Elementary, Taft Junior High, Cromwell Academy, and The Hawthorne School. She won numerous academic awards throughout her scholastic career and graduated as her high school’s valedictorian in 1981. Her post-secondary education included attendance at Chatham College (PA), Washington Business School (D.C.), Montgomery College (MD) and University of MD, Baltimore County, once again earning numerous academic awards and graduating cum laude in 2000. Often working multiple jobs to support her family, Diane worked at Beall Elementary during the day with autistic children and in the evenings at the Montgomery County Detention Center. Following her mother’s advice to be a “jack of all trades”, she also worked as a special events coordinator, secretary, teacher, mentor, community outreach advocate, counselor, domestic violence survivor case manager, and licensed/certified IRS and U.S. state tax preparer.

Her favorite position began in 2001, when she started working at the Rockville City Police Department as their sole Victim Advocate. There she assisted victims of crime, counseled young sex offenders, and helped teens leave gangs and get off drugs/alcohol. Additionally, she was Program Director of the “Every 15 Minutes” program, an anti-drinking & driving event for high school juniors and seniors. In 2017, Diane returned to Montgomery County Government as a Domestic Violence Survivor Case Manager within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2023, she retired from the Sheriff’s Office and moved to Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. She described Mount Joy as, “a very serene and loving community – Heaven on Earth.”

Diane Lorraine Charles, age 62, passed peacefully at home on April 9, 2026. She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Diamond Wilkins, and beloved sun, David (Emily) Wilkins II; her four adored grandsons, Jaylon, Jordan, David III, and Jaxson; her faithful and loving sister, Karen (Robert) Williams; sister Adrienne Fields and brother Theodore Fields; her first and second husbands, David Wilkins Sr. and Lorenzo Charles; nieces and nephews, Robert, Jonathan (Angie), Jason, Janee, and Teana; friends, Laura, Lisa, LaRonda, Sherry, Elaine, Dora, and Edie; her many loving Mt. Joy neighbors; and her loyal and caring church family. Last, but certainly not least, Diane’s patient, intelligent, high maintenance, and most loyal companion, Princess Marie Charles.

Diane dedicated her life to helping others, and her legacy of compassion and courage will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her laughter, wisdom, and spirit will continue to shine through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Diane’s family will greet guests from 10 to 11 am, followed by a celebration of her life at 11 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with The Rev. Greg M. Manmiller and The Rev. Richard H. Arends officiating, at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.