Diane King Smith, age 81, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Born in Warner Robins, Georgia on April 11, 1945, Diane was a daughter of the late Clifford Marley & Mildred Bullington King. She was a graduate of South Habersham High School, Class of 1963.

Diane was a woman of strong faith whose love for the Lord was at the center of her life. Her mornings often began with a cup of coffee and a long conversation with Jesus. She had a special gift for teaching children about God and faithfully served through Vacation Bible School and Good News Club, using crafts, songs, dances, and lessons to share the love of Christ. Her warm and welcoming spirit made everyone feel loved and encouraged.

Blessed with a beautiful voice, Diane loved to sing and could find a song for almost every occasion. Her greatest desire was for everyone she knew and loved to one day join her in Heaven.

Diane was a faithful servant of the Lord and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her joyful spirit, kindness, and legacy of faith will live on through the many lives she touched and the seeds she planted along the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Smith; and brothers, Larry & Glenn.

Survivors include her sister & brother-in-law, Gail & Doug Pruitt; Suzanne Smith; children, Rhonda & Steve Hostetter, Kevin & Deanne Belford, and Dana LaPrade; grandchildren, Cara Marley Belford, Landen & Whitney LaPrade, Madison LaPrade, Kendall Belford, Hudson LaPrade, & Aiden Hostetter; great-granddaughter, Charlotte LaPrade; as well as many other relatives, loved ones, and longtime friends.

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 05, 2026 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Austin Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with Mr. Cliff Baird officiating at the graveside.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Saturday, September 05, 2026.

An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Diane King Smith.