Ms. Diane E. Smith

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. In humble submission to the Will of God, Miller Funeral Services and Crematory sorrowfully announce the earthly departure of Ms. Diane E. Smith, 65 of Ft. Wayne, IN formerly of Dallas County, AL.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Ellwood Community Church, 1 Bell Road, Selma, AL. Rev. G. Crum, Pastor. Interment in Athens Cemetery, Orrville, AL.
Ms. Diane "Black" Ellis-Smith was born to the late Pinkie Ellis and Tommy Lee Hunter in Orrville, AL, on January 22, 1960. Diane was educated in Orrville, graduating from Keith High School in 1978, and went on to attend Alabama State University. She was introduced to Christ at a young age-attending Athens Baptist Church. Being musically gifted at a young age, Diane served as a lead singer with the White Rose Gospel Singles of Orrville for eight years.
Diane exuded kindness, unlimited generosity, unconditional love, and unfiltered authenticity; moreover, she loved enjoying life, playing bingo, and treasured her family above everything! These traits also embody who she was when it came to her career/vocation. After years of serving as manager at Hancock BBQ in Alabama, Dianne relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, and continued her managerial work, loaning her talents to Marathan and Family Dollar. She eventually landed in a human services role, where she became a Direct Support professional at Benchmark Human Services. Diane's talent eventually afforded her advancement there and she became House Manager and then Program Manager until she retired in July 2025.
Diane passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2025, in Millbrook, Alabama. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted son, Dorian Ellis, of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Dorian Spicer, Atalia Derrick, Jazmen Pickering, Jaya Ellis, Kirsten Ellis, Gracelyn Faith Parrish; great-grandchildren, JaLeiyah Pickering and Amarion Morgan; brothers, Minister Robert (Connie) Ellis, Curtis Ellis, A C Ellis; sisters, Bernice Pullom, Brenda Pitts, Mary Jo Hunter, and Joyce Tower; and a special friend, Edward Allen, along with a large host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Pinkie Ellis; a grandson, Kenton Ellis; and brothers, Christopher Ellis and Joseph Ellis. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Diane, please visit our floral store.