Paula Dian Smith

Paula Dian Smith, age 58, passed away on Friday July 7, 2017, Her loving husband by her side. She was born to Wilbern McFay Lucas and Pauline Kirkley in Nederland, Texas on May 29, 1959.

Dian was a renowned local celebrity in our community. One could hear her distinct voice as she would be speaking across the air waves as the on- air personality, “Jana Stone”, on Cool 92.5 radio or doing the many voice overs for commercials in the wider market arena.  Jana was the voice of the morning show and the Coca Cola Classics radio show in the Golden Triangle Area.  She also worked for Clear Channel Communications. The proudest positions of her career were being News Director for CBS in the Houston Market and then for Channel 12 in Beaumont.  Jim King remembers Jana as “more than a DJ. She could do it all! – DJ, voice overs, radio host,  etc “. Dian had the ability to do whatever it took to become the bigger than life “on air” personality that she was. As boisterous and out-going as Jana Stone was, Dian’s private life was something her and her husband, Philip, cherished. She was an inspirational and spiritual person who shared her life testimony with those who had the blessing of meeting her through her acts of service and love.

Dian was married to her beloved husband, Philip, for 10 years.  They met 12 years ago on his birthday. He would trade motor cycle parts for steak dinners at one of the local steak houses. While Philip was redeeming one of those steak dinners, his eye caught Dian’s. Her eye caught his, and the rest was history. Our good Lord allowed them to have 12 glorious years together enjoying traveling in the RV, working outside in the garden and cooking. Dian was a tremendous cook and Philip loved every bite. Dian enjoyed fishing with her sons. They would fish wherever there was water and they were together.  Dian will be greatly missed by all who knew her but her legacy of love will continue.

Left to honor her memory are her loving husband Philip Smith of Kountze, TX; sons, Darrell Edward Yates III of Amarillo, TX, Caleb Yates of Houston, TX, and Lucas Garza of Humble, TX; Stepson Philip Smith of West Virginia; Step Daughters, Christine Smith of South Carolina and Melanie Smith of West Virginia; Sister in Law, Marsha Lucas of Tyler, TX; also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Preceding Dian in death are her parents; and Brothers, James Lucas and Luke Lucas.

Life Honoring Memorial Service Wednesday July 19, 2017, 2pm at Lumberton Family Funeral Home