On Tuesday, Aug. 13, 1957, in Covington, Diane Denise Heard graced this earth. Daughter to Elizabeth Heard and Clifford Manuel, Sr. and younger sister to Barbara Glover and Brenda Heard, she was well known as a hardworking, strong, loving, and caring woman. She was affectionately called, Ann, Ms. Ann and most of all Momma.

Anyone who knew her felt the love of a mother. It was easy for many just to call her momma. She was never the one to “sugar coat” things, by no means. She often told it like it was, no filter. Even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, you listened; knowing she was right. The life of the party, she always said, “the party don’t start until I walk in.” 

This strong spirit gained her wings on Oct. 11, 2017. She will be greatly missed but her love and memory will live on.

She is survived by her husband, Christopher Smith; children, Dondrell Heard, Sagareus Heard, Mishana Heard, Carioca Smith, Nikkila Owens; son-in-law, Earnest Owens; grandkids, Jaques Smith, Dondrellious Smith, Summer Owens, Torrie Owens and Tristen Taylor; great-grands, Ja’Nya Hightower, Jameria Hightower, Darrius Hightower and Ryleigh Smith; niece, Sabrina Stephens; special cousin, Angela Cook; along with the many other people she called sons and daughters. She loved each of us without end. May she continue to live on through us. 

The funeral was held Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sims Chapel Baptist Church, at 61 Sims Chapel Road, in Covington, with Rev. Cecil J. Rozier officiating.