'Women of distinction' honored for contributions to Smith County

Dia Wall was one of Saturday's honorees (Source: KLTV Staff)

"Women of Distinction" were honored at New Days Community Church (Source: KLTV Staff)

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - A dozen "women of distinction" were honored Saturday for their contributions to Smith County. Amongst those honored was our very own Dia Wall for her passion to giving back to the community such as her community service work with Meals on Wheels.

The twelve women were admired Saturday at New Days Community Church in Tyler.

"We felt it was important that the community knows what these women are doing and what they're all about," said New Days Community Church director of women's affairs Loreita Garrett. "We have so many women in Smith County that are doing so many great things; philanthropy, education, public service."

The church began women's history month nine years ago as not only a way to honor women but also as a way to give back to others in need.

"This year, we are proud to announce that we will be helping the Tyler literacy council. That's a very important aspect in this community," Garrett said. "Also, we're going to give our donations today to the Joe Yeakley family. His wife has been by his side ever since the accident, and we just want them to know we love them."

Here's a list of Saturday's honorees:

Nancy Crawford, Literacy Council of Tyler

Dr. Stephanie Diaz, Tyler Nephrology

Dr. Grace English, Bethesda Clinic

Dawn Franks, philanthropists

Minnie Harris, Jackson Elementary principal

Dionne Tennyson Johnson, TLC Magazine

Dr. Ellen G. Redd Melton, East Texas Medical Center Pediatrics

Deborah Pullum, attorney

Deborah Johnson Race, attorney

Sharon Roy, Tyler Independent School District

Bolivia Stanfield, Texas Department of Rehab Services