Diane Ophelia Brooks was born March 19, 1954 in New Britain, Connecticut to Alton F. Brooks, and the late Caretha (Jones) Brooks. She was baptized and became a member of Union A.M.E. Zion Church, now known as Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, at an early age. Her love of the church remained with her until death. While growing up in New Britain, Connecticut, Diane graduated from New Britain High School in 1972. She received her Associates degree from Tunxis Community College, her bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak College in Hartford and she held a certificate from Barbizon Beauty and Modeling School. Diane’s professional career included being a Connecticut State Trooper, enlisted in the United States Navy reserves, an in-home care provider for New Britain’s senior citizens for many years. She was hired by the Registered Voters Office and served as a ballot clerk for all elections. Diane was employed at the City of New Britain’s Town Clerk office, and employed at the State Capital Senate Chamber as a Senate Messenger.
She met Richard Guiles from Bridgeport and, in 1978, united with him in matrimony. From this union two sons were born, Richard Alexander Brooks and Julian Christian Alton Guiles. Diane was always an active member in her community. Throughout her life, she served her church home in many capacities while always sharing the gospel through her words, books, and actions. She was also a member of the Black Democratic Club of New Britain and the NAACP. Diane departed this life on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the University of Connecticut Hospital in Farmington, Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her mother, Caretha Eloise Brooks, her two brothers Alvin Boydell Brooks and Ronald Eugene Brooks, and her son Richard Alexander Brooks Guiles.

She leaves behind her father, Alton Forrest Brooks (Ruth) of New Britain, Connecticut, her eldest sister, Maxine Eloise Harris of Pasadena, California, her first cousin Venus Malone of New Britian, Connecticut, her son Julian Christian Alton Guiles (Yi-Ting) of Arcadia, California, her grandchildren, Keyrell Cyrus Meeks, Giselle Meeks, MeiLin Ali Guiles, nieces, cousins and a host of other relatives.

Homegoing Celebration for Diane will be held Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, CT. with the Rev. Jacqueline King, Pastor, presiding. Burial with full military honors will be in the Veterans section of Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain, CT. The American flag will be presented to Diane’s son, Julian. Relatives and friends may call at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Service of comfort provided by the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT. To extend condolences to the Brooks family or to share a memory of Diane, please visit shakerfuneralhome.com.

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