of West Memphis, AR
October 7, 1946 - March 7, 2026
Mrs. Diane Estelle Kerly, age 79, of West Memphis, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. She was surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived and a family she cherished deeply.
Diane was born on October 7, 1946, in Union City, Tennessee, to Sonny Lee Cloar and Margaret Cloar (née Ford). From an early age, Diane was known for her warm spirit, strong will, and the deep love she carried for her family, qualities that would define her throughout her life.
Home and family were always at the center of Diane's world. She believed that nothing brought people together quite like a home-cooked meal, and her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of dishes prepared with love. Whether gathered around the table or sitting together in the living room, her family knew that Diane's greatest joy was simply having everyone close.
She also loved playing card games with family and friends. Diane was famously competitive, and as she liked to joke, ''As long as she was winning,'' everyone had a great time. Those moments of laughter and friendly rivalry created memories her family will treasure forever.
Diane was a faithful member of First Assembly of God in West Memphis. Her faith guided her life and provided strength and comfort to both her and those around her. One of Diane's most beloved gifts was her storytelling. She had a remarkable way of bringing stories to life, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Her family will always remember the joy, laughter, and colorful memories she shared through the many stories she told over the years.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cecil Kerley, who passed away in 2002 after 38 wonderful years of marriage. Their reunion is surely a joyful one.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Sonny Lee Cloar and Margaret Cloar (née Ford), and her sisters, Cynthia Ross and Tammy Drucker.
She leaves behind a loving family who will continue to honor her memory: her daughter, Jennifer Stamm and husband Jeff; her son, David Kerley and his wife Carla; her cherished grandchildren, Megan Bennett (Tyler) and Nathan Kerley (Anna Kathleen); and her adored great-grandchildren, Sadie Grace Bennett, Elijah Cole Bennett, Karley Jayne Bennett, and Parker Ann Kerley.
Diane's legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, and family. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the stories shared, the meals enjoyed together, and the strong family bonds she nurtured throughout her life.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707351000.
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15 Condolence(s)
Kevin Southard
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Jennifer,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing, you will be in my prayers.
Holly Dawson
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time
Nancy Bailey
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
My sincere condolences for all family and friends !! 🙏🏼❤️
Patricia McGarrity
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Love and prayers to all family - Diane was such a loving, giving, and cherished friend and I will keep our friendship in my heart forever.
Mike Burns
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
David, Lou and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss of your mother.
Debra Harvey
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Each night, we shed a silent tear as we speak of you and prayer to let you know. We love you and just how much we care, take our million tear drops, wrap them up in love. Then, ask the wind to carry them to you in heaven above.
Karen (Hall) Thompson
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
David, Carla and Jennifer
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. All of you will be in my prayers.
Love y'all
Karen
Diane Holt
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
My sweet friends. So sorry about Diane's passing. She was a friend to everyone. Loved her dearly.
A faithful prayer warrior.
Go and rest high on that mountain.
Holly James Young
Monday, March 9, 2026
Well… you both know she was like a second mother to me! She and Mr Kerley always kept us girls trying to stay on the right path ! I'm so blessed that I was so fortunate to have both of them along with Jennifer and David in my life! I love all of y'all so much!
Tammy Foster
Monday, March 9, 2026
I will forever be greatful for the wonderful friendship and neighbor Ms kerley was. She will be missed by many. Sending prayers to The family.
Milton Morgan
Monday, March 9, 2026
To David, Jennifer and Carla My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, I grew up as a next door neighbor and still visited her regularly on my walks through the neighborhood I noticed that she had not been feeling to well the last few visits less than a week ago Please know that I Love you guys and she will be missed and always on my mind I will always cherish the memories
Karen Lumpkin
Monday, March 9, 2026
Mrs Kerley was a very sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Kevin and Karen Lumpkin
Kathy Kerley
Monday, March 9, 2026
I am sorry for your loss
Jason Cowgill
Monday, March 9, 2026
Randy Sullivan
Monday, March 9, 2026
What a special lady, mother and friend. Diane had a heart of gold and always treated me like I was part of the Kerley family. Many, many great memories at the Kerley house! I was so blessed to have her in my life and look forward to seeing her and Mr K again in heaven.