Diana May Smith

Diana May Smith is predeceased by her mother Rose Steiner Gibson, father Robert Gibson, brother Bobby Gibson, son-in-law Clint Caviness, great-granddaughter Elaina McKelroy, and great-grandson Andrew McKelroy.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years Dr. Bobby Wayne Smith. Siblings: Donna Bernard (Jim) and brother Ronald Gibson (Blanca). Daughters: Cindy Murphy (Doug), Karen Caviness, and Kim Keiser (Jon). Grandchildren: Josh Sullivan (Adrienne), Matt Sullivan, Kyle Caviness (Anna), Kristi Caviness,

Katie McKelroy (Joe), Sarah Hansen (Andrew), Kelsie Cullers (Neil), Caleb Caviness (Kelci), and Megan Keiser. Great-grandchildren: Henry Sullivan and Torryn Tibbitts; Emma, Abigail and Lydia Hansen; Callie, Maggie, Sadie and Carson Caviness; Levi and Gabriel McKelroy; Logan and AllieCullers; Micah and Austin Caviness.

Being the oldest of four children, Diana was born to Rose and Robert Gibson in St. Petersburg, Florida where she lived until age five. Her family relocated many times in Texas and Florida throughout her formative years including nine residence changes before settling in Oak Cliff, Texas. She began working at age 13 with baby-sitting followed by service and retail jobs leading to a position at Neiman Marcus her senior high school year. During her mid-adult years, she worked in retail and home cleaning.

In 1956 Diana (age 14) was introduced to Bobby Wayne Smith by his sister Bille. Bob was struck by her million-dollar smile and the two dated later that year. Just prior to Bob’s Naval assignment they married June 14, 1958. As a young wife and mother, she rejoiced in Bob’s call to Gospel Preaching Ministry in August 1964.

Diana made her profession of faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized in 1964 at Hurstview Baptist Church. She served in ministry as pastor’s wife and evangelist’s wife for 61 years. A prayer warrior and encourager, she diligently loved the Lord and his people through volunteer church ministry as soul winner, Sunday school and youth camp leadership, nursery worker, senior saints ministry, shut-in ministry, women’s event speaker, missions and missionary supporter … almost always behind the scenes with quiet humility.

Her most cherished ministry was to her own family. She embodied godliness as daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Through many long days and nights ‘Meme” selflessly gave her all in love, word, deed, and constant prayer for her family.