Diantha Ellen (Richardson) Forte'

Life's Reflections

Diantha E. Forté was born December 18, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Roberta Richardson and  Art Williams, Sr., Her parents, Grandmother, Helen Richardson, and Godmother, Creola Martin preceded her in death.

Diantha attended Carver Middle School and Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.  She and her first husband Archie McKinney Jr. married young and welcomed two children: Sherry and Michael. Finding love again, she later wed Dwight D. Forté, and to this union, LaShon, and Angela were born.

It was at a young age she began her Christian journey by accepting Christ and being baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Tulsa, Oklahoma).  After moving to Kansas City, Kansas, she became a member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church. During her lifetime, she also attended Second Baptist Church, Salem Baptist Church, and ended her spiritual walk at Eighth Street Baptist Church, in Kansas City, Kansas. Whether it be lending a helping hand or her angelic voice, Diantha could be found serving in a multitude of ministries and organizations. from Sunday School, Prayer Service, Bible Study, to the Drama Ministry and Liturgical Dancers.  She also served two terms as the Eighth Street Baptist Church Choir President.  Diantha had a heart for people. She assisted the Mission’s Department, and being naturally hospitable, she was a hostess at the Annual Gideon Banquet, Annual Kaw Valley District Choir, Annual Laymen’s Four State Workshop, Annual National Baptist Convention, and the Annual Mobile Oil Luncheon. She was also a proud member of the American Businesswomen’s Shining Star Chapter. When she was not busy giving back, she enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends, and even found time to sew which she loved dearly.

In September 2013, Diantha relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado.  While there, she was an active member of the Abyssinian Christian Church (ACC) under the leadership of Pastor David Williams.  At ACC she was a part of the 3rd Sunday Potluck Kitchen Committee, ACC Choir, and the annual Soul Singing Festival.  She was also, one of the assistant secretaries.  As the founder of the 50+ Ministry, she and the social group traveled to Washington, D.C. and created some amazing memories.  As an active member of S.O.S. (Sisters Offering Support), they lovingly referred to her as Dorothy from "Golden Girls" and could not get enough of her fried potatoes. 

Diantha enjoyed driving through the majestic Colorado mountains, she also worked at the ARC Thrift Store until she returned back to Kansas City in 2017.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Sherry McKinney-Williams, Raymore, Missouri; Michael McKinney, Kansas City, Missouri; LaShon Simon (Keith), and Angela Forté, Belton, Missouri; she also leaves three brothers, Art Williams Jr, Raymond Commander, and James Washington; three sisters, Sammye Hitchye, Cheryl Williams-Henderson, and Sheila Commander; all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Additionally, she leaves thirteen grandchildren: LaKeisha Shannon (Christaune), Jaleesa Gillespie, Michael McKinney-Scott (Alexandria), Christian Forté, Camry Grant, RaShad Forté, Crystal Williams, Ahvion Brown, Baylen Brown, Mikayla McKinney, Sierra McKinney, Walter Brown III, and Elijah McKinney; six great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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