DiAnne Smith

Our dear wife, mother and friend, DiAnne Smith, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in Conroe, TX. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, and Christian friend who demonstrated the love of Christ to us and will be greatly missed.

Born in Liberty, Texas on August 20, 1958, to Drenda Sue and Claude Burrell, Jr. DiAnne accepted Christ as her Savior when she was six years old during a revival at a Baptist church in El Campo. She grew up in El Campo and Dayton. DiAnne graduated from Dayton High School, but before graduation she met the love of her life, Craig Smith at a church meeting. Her best friend was on blind date with Craig, but God had a better plan, Craig and DiAnne were a much better match. They met in February 1976 and subsequently married six months later, in August 1976. DiAnne worked to help put Craig through school and she worked as an executive secretary at several companies until their first child came along. They raised three children, Raleigh, Bethany, and Kathryn. DiAnne (Grammie) was very excited about and dearly loved her grandchildren Jemma Rose and Gideon. They celebrated their 45th Anniversary this past August of 2021. Craig and DiAnne were looking forward to many more years together when she lost her battle to cancer.

DiAnne was preceded in death by Sarah, a daughter lost through miscarriage; her parents, Drenda Sue and Claude Burrell Jr.; her niece, Michal Laurie Russo and her nephew, Jacob Mikal Burrell.

DiAnne and Craig were members of the West Conroe Baptist Church, having joined in December 2014. She and Craig were in involved with the CrossBridge Life Group, which proved to be an integral part of their lives. This wonderful group of people provided friendship and most of all unfaltering support during the past few months of illness. For several years she participated in “Bethlehem City” each Christmas.

DiAnne enjoyed playing the piano and served as pianist for several churches throughout her life. She also accompanied her husband, Craig, making him sound especially grand!

DiAnne was integral to the development and success of The Project Group. She supported Craig and his partners in their entrepreneurial endeavors throughout the 20+ years of her service until she retired. She was often referred to as “Lady Di” because they knew who was in charge.

DiAnne is survived by her husband, Craig Smith; and their children – Raleigh Smith and wife Kayla, and two grandchildren – Jemma Rose and Gideon; Bethany Smith and Kathryn Smith-Condor and husband Paul. Survived by siblings: Danni Jo Wynkoop and husband Fred; Philip Burrell and wife Becky; Christie Garza, Jesse Burrell, and wife Trish along with other beloved family and friends. A special thanks to Loving Hope Hospice and Above and Beyond Assisted Living for their support during DiAnne’s final days.

She will be remembered and described by many as:

A Mom to all

Gave freely of herself to others

Exemplified the love of Christ

Always laughing, clever, open, inviting and nurturing

DiAnne always had a love for babies

DiAnne throughout her battles with cancer would say

“in the end I win, whether God heals me now

or in heaven, I win.” VICTORY IN JESUS!!