Diane L. (Davis) Hayward, 69, of Akron Ohio passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Summa Health –Akron City Campus in the presence of her loving husband of 24 years. She was born in Akron, Ohio on December 5, 1952 to the late Robert B and Juanita (Roberson) Davis.

Upon graduation, Diane enlisted in the U.S. Army on 30 December 1970 at the age of 18; she was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for honorable active service. She was honorably discharged. Her continued desire to serve led her to a career in the medical field as an EKG tech at Barberton Citizens Hospital and as a Phlebotomist.

Diane married the love of her life and best friend, Sam Hayward on September 27, 1998. Diane lived an abundant life. She was an avid sports fan and was the football Queen of the family.

Diane is preceded in death by Robert B. Davis (father); Juanita Davis (mother);  Robert Flash Davis (brother); James Roberson (grandfather); Ella Roberson (grandmother); Ruben, Charles and Burlee Roberson (uncles); Pearl Fields (aunt); Marie Logan (Sister Cousin), Sam and Glam "Honey" Hayward (in-laws).

Diane leaves to cherish her memory, her faithful companion and husband Sam Hayward; daughters, Timakya (Brian) Lewis, Lisa (Donnell) Gabel, Latonia (Raynard Sr.) Whitthorne, and Lynette Hayward, all of Akron, sons, Tamar (Teria) Davis of Florida; Sam Hayward IV, Marcus Hayward, Shaun Cooper, and Adrian Burkett all of Akron; Roberta Nelson (sister); Mary Ann Davis (sister-in-law); Rita Scurry (sister-in-law) Carol "Tootie" Cheatham; and Laura Davis (sisters), all of Akron, Bobby Culver Sr. (brother)of Akron, Eric "Hub" (Francine) Beverly (brother-in-law) of Akron,  nieces, Dr. Juanita "Toni" Elton, Tyra Elton, Erika "Kim" Henderson, Tiffany (Adam) Rivenbark, Alexis Henderson, Denise Melton, Carneisha Melton, Carnia Melton, April McDaniel, Dominque McDaniel, Angel McDaniel, all of Akron; nephews, Thomas (Kyra) Elton III, Thomas Elton IV; Corey (Matt) Alejandro of Texas, Keith Henderson Jr., Marcellus Beverly, Devon Melton, David Melton, all of Akron, cousins, Cynthia Fairley of Newark, N.J., Deloris Butler of Apple Valley C.A., Thomas Fields, Charles Logan, Glenn Davis, Brenda Grant, all of Akron, Damitajo "Peachs" (Peter) Ogbuji of Lorain Ohio, and Magnum (Chantel) Davis of Columbus Ohio.

Diane loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they were devoted to her, grandchildren, De'Lienne Cooper of Arizona, Shaun"Red" (Erilynn) Cooper, DeChon (A'Lyssa) Davis, Sariena Davis, Vanessa Guerrero of all Akron and Tamar Davis of Colorado Springs, Co., great grandchildren, Kylee O'Neil, Synayah Cooper, Adrian Burkett, Bryce Stone, King Davis, No'Vah Morris, Nyla and Nygee Philmore.

Special family and friends in Akron and Alliance Ohio, Flint Michigan: William and Candy Jones, Jennifer Cooper, Margaret Towns, Sheila Richardson, Diana McDonald, Brenda Gable, and Gwendolyn Hayes.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to: Dr. Brian J. Donelan; Dr. Brian D. Bauman; Nurse Christine; Summa doctors; Summa nurses and staff on 3 North.