Diane Cortley Brooks Sweat, born in Michigan to George and Perrissell Brooks, lived a life filled with grace, resilience, and love.  She spent most of her years in the Los Angeles area, raising her children and serving her community with dedication.   Her decades of work with the Los Angeles Restaurant and Hotel Employees Union made her a trusted advocate for countless workers navigating claims and grievances, and she was admired for her compassion and fairness.   

She attended Indiana State University before marrying her first husband, Richard Sweat.  Together, they welcomed two children, Ricky and Gina.   Later, she met her lifelong partner, William Clay, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond.  They welcomed their son Byron, and she lovingly embraced William’s son, Patrick, as her stepson.  William preceded her in 2016.

She found joy in bringing people together facilitating class reunions, selling Avon for many years, and cheering proudly as a team mother during Byron’s little league baseball seasons.   Her warmth touched everyone she met.In the later years of her career, she embraced her creative side and began appearing in commercials and television series as background talent, enjoying the fun and fulfillment that came with expressing a new artistic passion.  

After retirement, her life changed unexpectedly when she experienced a major stroke just two weeks later.  Even through the challenges that followed, her spirit remained gentle and full of love.   After William's passing,  Diane moved to Las Vegas to live under the daily care of her daughter Gina and her son-in-law Dave, where she continued to bless her family with her humor, her comforting presence, and her signature phrase “no kidding,” which she used in countless memorable ways.

Over the years, she was supported by devoted caregivers who became extended family.  Gloria, Lyn, and Akanete as her caregivers combined over 28 years, helped ensure her comfort and independence within her own right.   With this circle of care and the constant love of her family, she lived with grace, peace, and the quiet joy of being surrounded by people who cherished her.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, George and Perrissell Brooks; her brother, Barry Brooks; and her sister, Sharon, who passed in infancy.  She is survived by her children Ricky, Gina, and Byron, her stepson Patrick, her son-in-law Dave, her grandchild Brooke, and extended family including nieces, nephew and cousins.  Her life remains a testament to strength, faith, and unconditional love.  We will miss her dearly.

 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

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