April 9, 1958 – January 12, 2024
Well-known Atlanta public relations and communications columnist and servant Diane Powell-Larché passed away on January 12, 2024. Over the years, she had contributed various writings and public relations community content to The Atlanta Inquirer as well as other publications and businesses.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Murray Brothers Funeral Home, 1199 Utoy Springs Road SW in Atlanta, Georgia 30311. There was an Omega Omega Service by her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Her funeral was held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Ben Hill United Methodist Church (UMC), 2099 Fairburn Road SW in Atlanta, Georgia 30331 at 11 am, officiated by Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Derrick R. Rhodes.
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Diane Powell was the youngest child born to Fred and Catherine Powell. It is noted that the same year that Diane Powell-Larché was born, 1958, is the same year that Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre were founded. In that same year, Althea Gibson became the first African-American woman to win the U. S. Open tennis championship and Louis E. Lomax became the first African-American newscaster for a major network station, WNTA-TV in New York.
Diane Powell-Larché was an outgoing cheerleader at Philadelphia’s Olney High School. At her high school, she was treasurer of the Student Association, secretary of the English Honor Society, member of the Hostess Club and Black Student League.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She also earned a Certificate in Publishing from Howard University.
Early in her career, she worked as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Courier and public relations / communications specialist for the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission. She was a board member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Foundation, a part of the Black Women’s Political Crusade and a member of the Gamma Rho chapter of the Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority. She worked 20 years in management with State Farm Insurance Company.
In 1993, she met her future husband, Joseph (Joe) Larché; and they married on June 29, 1996.
In 1999, she formed Larché Communications, LLC, a full-service communications, public relations, advertising and marketing firm. She worked with several small and large businesses and individuals including HBO, Bahamas Consulate Atlanta, Nielsen Media, National Urban League, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, United Negro College Fund, Mayor’s Masked Ball, YWCA of Greater Atlanta, Greater Women’s Business Council, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, Burger King, Ford Motor Company, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, Jamal Crawford, Jason Terry and the Jason Terry Foundation, Jaheim, FootFittr, Stepp Stewart, Ike Reese, Jamahl King, Founder of S.T.E.P.S. Events Planning firm, actress Krysten Leigh Jones, and others.
Larché Communications, LLC created Family Food Fest Atlanta (formerly known as Real Men Cook) to honor urban men on Father’s Day by showcasing their culinary skills. She invited John B. Smith, Jr., publisher/editor of The Atlanta Inquirer, and he gladly responded and participated in the magnificent event.
Larché and her company handled the public relations and communications for a variety of companies and events through Atlanta, Georgia.
She was founding president of the Greater Atlanta Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), vice president of Community Outreach for the Junior League of Atlanta, board member of the League of Women Voters of Atlanta / Fulton County and Georgia Chapter of Lupus Foundation of America.
Diane Powell-Larché received several awards. She was named among the Atlanta Business League’s (ABL) 100 Women of Influence in years 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019. She also received awards from Rolling Out publication, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, and United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
She was pre-deceased by her late parents; her siblings Fred, Jr. and Gennell Powell; her mother-in-law, Teasie Davenport-Larché; nephew, Dr. Darryl J. Powell, Jr.; and niece Emily Crawford. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph (Joe); brother, Darryl J. (Zimbeana) Powell; aunt, Gennell Haines; nieces, nephews, step-children, and a host of relatives and friends.
As part of the funeral program were: Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Derrick R. Rhodes; violinist Richmond Punch; Reverend Gerald Durley; vocalist Brittany Dankwa; Nancy Flake-Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta; Kevin Ashford, Family Fest, Inc.; Ingrid Saunders-Jones, sixth National President of National Council Negro Women (NCNW); Reverend Dr. Sherry R. Austin, Retired UMC Elder; Stepp Stewart; and Dr. Alonia Parks (program).
Publisher / Editor John B. Smith, Jr. and The Atlanta Inquirer family are so grateful to have known Diane Powell-Larché and thank her and her family for her tremendous contributions over the years to The Inquirer and to Atlanta’s Beloved Community. Our deepest condolences to the family.
