Diane Florence

Diane Smith (Florence) was born January 26, 1952, to Clarence and Jimmie Lee Smith in Miami, Florida.  

Diane Florence received her formal education at Broward College in Hollywood, Florida, and later served several years at The Starting Place in Hollywood, FL.  

Diane Florence accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was united with Koinonia Worship Center where she faithfully served.

Diane Smith was united in holy matrimony with Robert Florence.  Their union was blessed with three children, Robert Jr., Sidney, and Tammi.

In her leisure she enjoyed home improvement projects, watching movies, counseling, and most of all spending time with her family.

Although Diane enjoyed years of working with people in need at The Starting Place she served her husband and children as the best wife and mother that ever existed for many years.  Diane had many talents she was able to build or repair furniture, keel all the finances in order, display superior culinary ability, make everyone laugh, and so much more.  She demonstrated an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special and loved.  She was a mother and friend to not only her immediate family but extended herself to others as if they were her children as well.  She later became a grandmother where she also excelled as an elite grandmother who spoiled her grandchildren as much as possible.  Diane truly demonstrated the “Proverbs woman” that King Solomon’s mother found so precious - Proverbs 31:10-31.  As King Solomon’s mother explained, finding this type of woman is extremely rare, Diane not only met this but exceeded this standard.  

Diane Florence departed this life on November 7, 2022.  She was preceded by Robert Florence, Jr (son), Clarence Smith (father), Jimmie Lee Smith (mother),and her brothers:  J.R., Clarence Jr., and Felton Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband Robert Florence, son Sidney Florence (Toya), daughter Tammi Florence (Solomon), granddaughters: Tyra Philpart-Coates (Gary), Taylor Florence, and, Amya Florence), grandson Solomon Cambell and great-grandson Grayson Coates.  She also leaves four siblings: Harry Smith (Ruth), Shirley Smith, Nathaniel Smith, and Sandra (Henry) Kasim.  She also leaves thirteen nieces and nephews, and one godson.