Freddie Elise Diggs-Smith was born on September 3, 1955, in Tallulah, MS (Issaquena County) to Henrietta T. Diggs and Willie Moore.  She departed this earthly life on July 3, 2024, at Merit Hospital, Vicksburg, MS. Two brothers, Lenard Percy Diggs and Eddie Louis White, preceded her in death.

Freddie accepted Christ as her personal Savior by age 14, and joined St. Matthew M. B. Church, Fitler, MS. Later, she transferred her membership to New Hope Baptist Church, Cary, MS, in 1984. She lived by her favorite scripture: Psalm 121:1 – "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." She served as announcer in church and often served as program guide when called upon. She loved writing poetry about the goodness of God and about wisdom she'd acquired during her life's journey.

From Cary Elementary and Henry Weathers/Rolling Fork High School (graduated 1973), Freddie pursued higher education in several colleges: Vicksburg College, Vicksburg, MS, 1978 (College diploma); further study at Coahoma Junior College, Clarksdale, MS; Hinds Junior College, Vicksburg, MS (2 years); Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS.

Professionally, Freddie served as an assistant teacher at Rolling Fork Elementary/South Delta Elementary School from 1978 – 2009 (retired after 31 years). From 2002 – 2007, she participated in the AmeriCorps Program – Service and Training (Corporation for Nations Community Service). She received awards  for Dedicated Service in Elementary Education, 2004 & 2009, and an award for assisting the School Nurse.

While studying at various colleges, Freddie enjoyed serving on the Newspaper Committee and in the Black Literary Society. She received awards for oral interpretations of poetry selections from Langston Hughes and other Black poets. Freddie was very creative…loved writing and singing. Her favorite song within the last five years was, Hellen Miller's "I WON'T LET YOU FALL". She and Edie Mae sang the song several times during church services.

She is survived by her mother, Henrietta Theresa Diggs; children, LaDonna Ynese Diggs-Taylor and Lenard Jurrell Davis; siblings, Shirley Hopkins Davis (Samuel) and Gregory Lamar Diggs (Amanda); grandchildren, Amaiya Sanders, Dwendolyn Taylor, Kahlil Davis and Khyler Davis; the children and grandchildren of Freddie's siblings; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.