Marilyn Diane (Toney) Lewis known as "Mama" "Mama D" "Aunt Diane" "Diane" and "D" was born on February 25, 1951 to Deola Marshall and Booker T. Toney in Malvern, Arkansas. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, she answered the call to go to her Heavenly Home.

Diane was a devout Christian woman whose faith was evident in both her service and her character. She was a loving mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was also described as hilarious, magnificent, strong, Independent, kind, and caring. Sister Diane served faithfully on the Usher Board at Calvary COGIC, a role she took great pride in until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Known for her firm yet caring demeanor, Sister Diane was especially remembered for taking gum into her kleenex if you were seen chewing, always ensuring that reverence was maintained in the house of God. She also took exceptional pride in the cleanliness of the church, believing that God's house should always be kept in order. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the church left a lasting impression on all who worshipped alongside her.

Diane was a devoted worker, a resilient fighter, and a woman deeply loved by many. Her life was marked by perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to everything she undertook. She began her education at Tuggle Elementary School and continued at Addison Junior High in Cleveland, Ohio. Diane later returned to Malvern and attended A.A. Wilson High School before graduating from Malvern High School with the Class of 1970. She furthered her education by attending Vo-Tech preparing herself for a strong work ethic that would define her life.

Throughout her working years, Diane was employed by several companies, including Fred's, Timex, and Country Chicken. She spent the majority of her career of 25 years working at Unilever Skippy, where her reliability and tireless effort were well known and respected.

After retiring, Diane remained active and engaged, taking on a part-time position with the Malvern Daily Record delivering the news. She continued working for as long as she was physically able, demonstrating her determination and sense of responsibility. Diane was a true fighter and courageously battled cancer multiple times, overcoming it more than once, and continued to fight with strength and grace until the very end. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. Above all, Diane worked tirelessly in every endeavor and lived a life rooted in love. Her legacy is one of strength, dedication, and enduring affection, and she will be remembered always by whose lives she touched.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Deola Marshall and Booker T. Toney, her brother Floyd Ray Toney, and her sister Willie Dean (June) Clegg.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Her one and only baby Courtney Lewis Smith, one sister Laurel (Onie) Toney, and one brother Brady Toney. Three grandchildren-Tierrah, Teven, and Trejan Smith. Five great-grandchildren-Iman, Lily, Asher, Jaylee, and Romi. One aunt Willie B. Marshall-Booth. Five nieces-Sandy(Calvin) Ladd, Denna(Anthony) Newton, Tasha Weaver, Candice Blake, and Kiara Toney. Two nephews-Tyrone(Tyanna) Clegg and Taurean(Oshia) Watkins. One sister-in-law-Fannie Toney. Three bonus babies-Ezra, Elaine, and Bryce and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Poem for Mother (Anon)

Mother, you were just a girl,

So many years ago.

You had your loves and had your dreams,

You watched us come and go.

You watched us make the same mistakes,

That you had made before,

But that just made you hold us tight,

And love us all the more.

We haven't always thought about

The things that you have seen.

To us you've just been 'Mother',

No thought of who you've been.

But we remember now in love,

Your life from start to end,

And we're just glad we knew you,

As Mother, and as Friend.

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

" The Epitome of Service "