Diana Spears Mars

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26.

Reverend Mother Diana “Red Doe” Spears Mars, 84, of Charlestown, entered into the presence of our Creator on April 11, 2023. She is the daughter of Russell G. Spears and Grace Babcock (Brown) Spears, and wife of David K. Mars Sr. Diana was born in Westerly, RI and lived her life on the Indigenous homelands of her people, the Narragansett. She served the broader New England community as a beloved minister/Pawwaw of the Gospel and educator, she was also known as a vibrant fashionista, avid partaker of the arts, skilled songstress, gifted orator, gardener, and writer—this list is just a window into a multifaceted life that was lived with intention.

Diana’s calling to serve came early in life. As the eldest of twelve siblings, she learned how to “love rightly” as she fed into the lives and spirits of her younger siblings Russell Jr., Holly, Robin, Lance, Starr, Craig, Forest, Melody, Lake, Autumn, and Sky. Diana met her lifelong partner at the age of eighteen and, after deciding on the shores of Watchaug Pond that their love story was indeed “bigger than the both of them,” they embarked on a sixty-five yearlong adventure.

During the mid-seventies she played in the Westerly Women's Softball League and was a member of several championship winning teams, including the first undefeated team in league history. Over the years, Diana pursued many passions and always maintained a love for learning in formal educational institutions and in the greater school of life. She worked in the Admissions Office of URI for twenty years before ministering at Narragansett Indian Church. There, in her role as a spiritual leader, her writing and sermons edified and sanctified those who were privileged to hear them. As a woman who embodied the Fruit of the Spirit, she used her voice to advocate for diplomacy and right-relations within the congregation and the broader community. But greater than all of her formal achievements and capabilities, was her mission of love to all who knew her, but most ardently, to her family.

Diana is a church, as Ephesians 5:25-27 defines it, not just for her husband, but for our entire family and is regarded and esteemed as such. As the mother to India “Misty,” Tawny, David “Jeff,” and Heather Angel, she worked tirelessly to ensure that our lives were vibrant and enriched with the tenets of Gods laws; we have all benefited from her nurturing and resolute character. This Matriarchal spirit carried over in her role as the Grandmama/Marmere to Nicole, Rene, Pepito, Amber, Jonn, Kodiak, Keyokah, Kianna, Sage, and Kimonee and the delighted great-grandmother to eleven. She has left an indelible mark on each and every corner of our lives. We will always hold on to countless joyful memories with her, from her boundless sense of humor and sharp wit, landscaping escapades, and pool parties, to singing in the car, impromptu dances in the kitchen, weekend hunts for the latest “goodie of the week,” and (our favorite) late-night ruminations on the meaning of life, and for that we will be eternally grateful as her spirit continues to live on in and through us.

The Huntress will forever be remembered for the beauty she brought into the lives of everyone she knew. This included her fashion sense, from her assortment of millinery, and endless pairs of (supposedly distinct) black “elephant pants,” to her countless heels, and treasured collection of jewelry large enough to adorn a small nation, her selections garnished every wall of her home that she built with her own hands alongside her beloved David. Her love of color and beauty extended outside the bounds of her abode as was displayed by her landscaping skills. This family was blessed to be able to partake in her beautification efforts in any way they were expressed. However, the most beautiful thing of all was Diana’s grace-filled heart and spirit and there are no words that can do them justice.

Diana is the matriarch of a large family and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Although she will be missed by those listed here and innumerable more, today we celebrate a life purposefully-lived. As Proverbs 31:30-31 states: “charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate,” and we are here to sing her praises as she enters the gates of the Holy City.

Your footsteps were ordered and ordained, Diana/ Marm/ Grandmama/ Marmere/ Nanay/ Red Doe, and you have fulfilled them valiantly. Let the wind kiss your face and the sunshine forever be on your courageous and stalwart back! This family will carry on your example going forward. Cowàmmaunsh!

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Mark 5:34.

There will be a consecration of life ceremony on Saturday, April 22nd at 11 am at her homestead 94 Old Mill Rd., Charlestown rain or shine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Diana’s name to the Narragansett Indian Health Center, 51 Old Mill Road, Charlestown, RI 02813.