Annette Diane "Red" Smith

So for now, you are in grief but I will see you again and then your hearts will rejoices and no one will take away from you your great joys. John16:22 amp

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, God summoned His angels to come down from Heaven to bring home His beloved daughter Annette Diane Smith.

Annette, “Diane or Red,” as she was affectionately called, was born on November 30, 1952, to the late John and Pauline Smith. As their only child, Diane was a true blessing to her parents.

At an early age, she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She faithfully attended services until the COVID-19 pandemic closed the church doors. She remained a faithful member until her health began to fail.

Diane received her education in the York County School Division and graduated from York High School with the Class of 1971. On June 11, 1969, Diane was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Tonya Smith-McAdams. She became the complete love of her life. Diane’s love for Tonya was unwavering; nothing ever came before her baby girl. In return, the roles changed later in years, where Diane became everything to Tonya as she became her faithful and dedicated caregiver. Alongside Tonya, her granddaughter, Johnsalyn, and great-granddaughter, Reyah, assisted in the duties of being her caregiver.

Diane was a dedicated employee of the Williamsburg Pottery for many years. Later in life, Diane became a school bus driver for the York County School Division. She also worked at Kingsmill for many years, where she enjoyed driving foreign exchange students.

Diane enjoyed attending Sunday School as well as church services with her friend Alzeonia Morton, where they always wore smiles and had some humor for your enjoyment. She loved being around family and close friends. Diane was a loving soul with a contagious smile and a heart full of kindness.                                     

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline Smith; grandparents, Charlie and Ruth Jones; aunts, Catherine Brown, Carrie Taylor, Bernice Cooke, Otelhia Travers, Eva Braxton, Virginia Haltiwanger, Rosa Jamerson, Viola Wise, Alverta Jones, Roberta Jones, Zeltha Smith, and Rosa Smith; and uncles, Charles Jones, Fred Jones, William Smith, ,Jessie Smith. Hugh Jamerson, Oscar Cooke, and Samuel Haltiwanger.

Diane leaves to cherish her love and memories with her daughter, Tonya McAdams (Antonio); granddaughter Johnsalyn Smith; great-granddaughter SeReya Smith; uncle Horace Jones; best friend Alzeonia Morton; and a host of cousins, loving family, and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate the legacy and life of Annette will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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