Diani Hemphill

(From Parker Mortuary)

Diani Lynn Hemphill, age 60, Joplin, Missouri, formerly of Columbus, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 26, surrounded by her family.

Diani was born on February 7, 1958 in Columbus, Kansas, the daughter of Jack E. Morris and Raylene Witham. Diani was a case manager at Crawford County Mental Health in Kansas for about five years and retired in 2014. Her favorite job was serving as a nanny because she loved to work with kids. At a young age, Diani looked after her siblings so her mother could focus on work. Diani also taught “bible quizbowl” at the Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Kansas. She also served as a hospice volunteer for Mercy in Joplin, Missouri. She began working as a hospice volunteer with her mother in 1996. Diani was so dedicated to her hospice work, she would drive long distances so she could help her mother as they volunteered together. If her mother was ill, Diani would sleep in her work clothes to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jack E. Morris of Columbus, Kansas; three brothers, Jack Earl Morris, Jr., Gregory Ray Morris and William “Bill” Morris; one sister, Juanita Morris and one nephew, William Earl Morris, Jr.

Diani loved life. She was a great daughter, sister and loved being a fun aunt to her nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.

Survivors include her mother, Raylene Pierce of Joplin; two brothers, Cliff Smith and wife Pam of Bear, Delaware and Gary Smith and wife Becky of Lyons, Kansas, one sister, Cerita Tweed and husband Richard of Chouteau, Oklahoma; goddaughter, Heather Kosman and husband Eric of Frontenac, Kansas; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and her significant other, Randy Rippee of Branson, Missouri.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Pastors Angie Brasfield and Jim Shipley officiating. Visitation will follow the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.