Dianna Kelly

Dianna Brown Kelly, 80, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on October 29, 1945, in Charleston, Arkansas, to James Howard Brown and Clarice Maxine Strang Brown.

Dianna loved her family above all else. She treasured family reunions and was never happier than when she was cooking for the family and friends she loved. She enjoyed gardening, and she loved traveling with her friends, seeing new places, and trying new foods.

Dianna worked as a hairstylist. More recently, she found joy in restoring antique furniture, a pastime she set aside to care for Jerry.

Those who knew Dianna will remember her as kind and selfless. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother, to her husband, Jerry, and to her daughter Michelle during Michelle's battle with cancer, always putting the needs of the people she loved ahead of her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Howard Brown and Clarice Maxine Strang Brown; her daughter, Danza Michelle Humphrey, and Michelle's husband, Perry Humphrey; her stepson, Gregory Todd Kelly; and her sister, Emma Lee Garrett.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Dale Kelly; her daughter, Monica Eiland (Jimmy); and her stepdaughter, Cynthia Kelly Hopkins (Brian Decker). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brennan Will (Charla), Rachel Gauchat (Eric), Alexis Hopkins, Cameron Hopkins, Harper Kelly, Scott Kelly, and Samantha Kelly, and her great-grandchildren, Braeden, James, Grace, Hannah, Priscilla, Makynna, Brody, Blakely, Hadley, and Lauren. Dianna also leaves behind her sister, Carol Ann Bly (Ronald), and her niece, Melissa Thrasher; her nephews, Chandler Garrett (Rebecca) and Chasen Garrett (Ana); and many other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, with visitation to follow at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.