Obituary of Stephanie Ellen Miller Diakite

Stephanie Ellen Miller Diakité passed away November 1, 2023, at Ruston Point, Tacoma, Washington.  She was born October 15, 1958, to Edward E. Miller and Nadine G. Beariault in Seattle, Washington.  She resided in Aberdeen, Washington, the last five years; in Bamako, Mali, West Africa (30 years); and Des Moines, Washington (10 years).

 

Stephanie earned several degrees, including JC-JD, MBA, and PhD. Through her company Agence Mali Management in Bamako, Mali West Africa, she provided organizational support, security and domestic services to multiple embassies as well as to local businesses and families. She was also instrumental in the Timbuktu, Mali manuscript rescue and restoration efforts. Her most recent business, a shop in Aberdeen, Washington, “Librairie Gourmande,” was a commercial kitchen that provided catering, fine dining and cooking classes focused on cuisine from around the world.

 

Stephanie was highly intelligent, organized, compassionate, and funny.  She was a great conversationalist, had a flare for fashion and interior decorating, and was an amazing hostess and gourmet cook.  She loved her family dearly, and was a loyal friend.

 

She was an advocate for women’s rights internationally, and an advocate for at-risk youth. Stephanie spoke fluent French and multiple African dialects.  She collected African art and was an avid reader.

 

She married Sekou Diakité in 1978 in Bamako, Mali, West Africa.

 

Stephanie is survived by her children, Fanta Diakité, Saran Diakité; and Maury Diakité; her grandchildren, Jaiden Coffee, Jada Santiago, Romello Santiago, Sekou N’Diaye, and Ousmane N’Diaye; her sister, Jenifer Baker, brother-in-law, Robert Baker; and nephew, Max Baker.

 

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