Obituary of Dianne M Partee

Dianne Marie Smith Partee was born to the union of Mr. Charles Norton Smith, Jr. and Dr. Marie Evans Smith in Philadelphia, March 22, 1944.  

 Dianne graduated from Germantown High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and principal certification from Cheyney University and supervisory certifications in curriculum and instruction and secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania.

 Dianne married Douglas L. Partee, the love of her life, while both of them taught social studies in the Philadelphia public schools and moved to Sicklerville, New Jersey, where they had a home built. They had two sons, Blaine and Mario.

 A life-long educator, Dianne taught middle school at William H. Shoemaker Middle School, and—after only five years—was promoted to Social Studies Liaison for the Worlds Affairs Council. She was again promoted to the position of Curriculum Specialist in the African American Studies Office. A true pioneer in the field of African and African American Studies, Dianne worked to infuse the African Diaspora experience into the all schools’ curriculum and activities. She was one of the coordinators of the School District’s Black History Month Oratorical Contest, one of the first places Tony-award winning Leslie Odom’s talent was displayed.

Dianne’s was well known in the Philadelphia area as the co-host of  “Cultural Connection”, a television program on Comcast’s School District Television Network,  which highlighted topics, issues and themes that reflect the diverse African and African American cultural and historical experiences. Dianne also hosted her own geography show on that same network.

Dianne was also a member of the Social Studies Assessment Development  Project, African American Joint Committee Professional Development, SAT-9 Cultural Inclusion Test Item Reviewer, Textbook Review Committee, Social Studies Final Examination Test Writing Committee for World History and American History, Curriculum frameworks Standard Writing, Multicultural Workshop Leader, National Workshop Presenter for the Study of African Life and History, Workshop Leader for Youth Symposium for Holocaust  Education,  and member of the Women Studies Sex Equity Committee. 

In spite of her highly successful professional career, Dianne’s heart and passion was for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She accepted the Lord at an early age at Providence Baptist Church of Germantown, where her mother was a founding member. It is no wonder that when she moved to Sicklerville, she and husband were among the founders of Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, Sr. often stated that God spoke through Dianne in encouraging him to start a church.

A true servant of the Lord, Dianne dedicated her time and talents to a number of ministries at CCU.  She was the church’s founding Secretary, Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, New Members Class Teacher, Dean of the Seminary, and Vacation Bible School Director. Merging her professional and church work, she even established the church’s annual Black History Month program. 

Dianne somehow found time to volunteer outside of the church as well. She was a past president of both the Winslow Township Rotary Club and the New Jersey chapter of the Black Women’s Educational Alliance. She was a board member and volunteer of the Community Care Food and Clothing Pantry. She started the Snack Pack program for the pantry, where she made over 60 food packages for people in need each month.

 Dianne truly enjoyed life. When she wasn’t shopping—her favorite hobby—or preparing one of her famous delicious dishes (fried chicken, potato salad and greens were among her specialties), she was spending time with family, friends and her Las Damas club members. Whenever possible, she took great vacations with her family and traveled to Virginia annually to spend time with her cousins. A true “foodie”, Dianne constantly watched the Food Network and tried as many recommended diners and restaurants as she could. Still, her family’s dishes were her favorites, especially her cousins’ fried corn and mother’s pound cake. 

Dianne’s dedication, intelligence and service were acknowledged in the community. She won countless awards recognizing her as a leader in education, a champion of African and African American studies, and a generous philanthropist. 

 In 2014, Dianne was diagnosed with cancer, kidney failure and other debilitating ailments.   Fueled by her faith and supportive family, she courageously fought her illnesses. Her pain and suffering ended early Sunday morning when God called her home to join her mother, father and husband who predeceased her.

She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Elisa Murray; her two sons, Blaine (wife Latusha), and Mario; stepdaughter , Kim Cooper, two sisters, twin Dionne Jones and Deborah Smith, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and also survived by nieces, nephews and many family members including relatives in Philadelphia and cousins in Virginia.  She also leaves to grieve a host of loved ones, including her former co-workers, Las Damas club members and CCU Missionary Baptist Church ministers, trustees, deacons and members.