Diane Clark

Diane M. Clark (Smith), 64, of Springfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023. She was born in Springfield on January 15, 1959 to Dewey Smith and Barbara (Woods) Smith. According to her, she arrived from heaven in a matching bra, panties and yellow anklet socks.

She graduated from Springfield South High School in 1977 where she met her future husband and partner in shenanigans, Carl. On June 3, 1991, she married Carl Clark. Diane attended Central State University and Clark State Community College. She retired from the Police Department as a dispatcher in 2000.

Diane had a passion for working with children. She began babysitting as a child and was known to babysit everybody and their mama (literally). Diane babysat and even worked at a daycare until she became ill. She loved her family more than anything and enjoyed “Happy Family Time”. Diane was known as a community mother to all the neighborhood kids.

She enjoyed dancing, singing, listening to music, Mickey Mouse, getting glam, modeling, traveling, watching westerns and old movies. Diane also enjoyed reading. Her favorite saying was “Reading is fundamental”. She believed in promoting education, especially to children.

Diane is survived by her husband, Carl; her pride and joy—daughter, Kristen Clark; bonus children: Kiiesha Brown, Eric Clark (Kandice), Aaron Clark (Cassandra), and Artie Woods (Carla); siblings: Patricia Woods-Smith (Lynne Courtney), Debra Baker (Terry), Sheila Frierson, and Marc (Sarah) Smith; best friend of 60 years, Vicki Haggins; her precious grandchildren: Zyiiesha Evans, Zyaaron (Butter) Woodruff, Kamarah Clark, Cameron Clark, Marcus Clark, Selah Clark, and Kaia Clark; a host of nieces and nephews—to whom she was affectionately known as “Aunt Di D-I”; her favorite Aunt and Uncle, James and Ella Smith; and a host of other family and friends.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Dewey Smith and Barbara Woods-Smith.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Church of Hope, 1353 West Perrin Avenue, Springfield, Ohio 45506. Repass: Springfield Elite Building, 637 S. Center Street, Springfield, OH 45506.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Diane Clark asks for donation of books for kids grades (Pre-K through 12). For delivery of books to little libraries in honor of Mrs. Clark, please send to: Springfield Promise Neighborhood, 225 East High Street, Springfield, Ohio 45505.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.