John Thomas Stancil » Tempy Ann Stancil Hill » Millard Lee Hill » Mavis Hill Godwin » Dianne Godwin Strickland
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| Dianne's children with Clay Taylor Strickland |
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| Cathy Tonya Strickland |
| Cindy Jo Strickland |
Dianne Godwin Strickland and Clay Taylor Strickland shared a deep bond that spanned over five decades, built on love, family, and a life rooted in North Carolina. Their marriage of 51 years was a testament to their enduring commitment to each other and their family.
Dianne Godwin was born on February 7, 1941, the fourth of five children to Narvin and Mavis Godwin. She grew up alongside her siblings, Willie Eugene Godwin, Charles Randall Godwin, and James Earl Godwin, who was five years her junior. An elder sibling had sadly passed away at birth in 1933.
Clay Taylor Strickland was born just a month later, on March 10, 1941, in Nash County, North Carolina, to Marshall and Estelle Strickland.
Dianne and Clay's paths converged, and they were married on February 10, 1963, in Elm City, Nash, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of their 51-year journey together.
Together, they built their family, welcoming two daughters: Cathy Tonya Strickland and Cindy Jo Strickland. Dianne was known for her immense love and devotion, proudly earning the affectionate nickname "Boingy" from her five cherished grandchildren: Logan Dianne Joyner, Nicole Grace Joyner, Seth Joseph Joyner, Caitlyn Elizabeth Barnes, and Paige Mackenzie Barnes.
Clay was a dedicated tobacco farmer, a profession that likely connected him deeply to the land and his community. Dianne, in turn, devoted her life to caring for her family and loved ones, a role she embraced with unwavering commitment even in her final days. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.
Dianne passed away peacefully at home in Spring Hope, North Carolina, on Thursday, June 26, 2014, at the age of 73, surrounded by her beloved family.
Four years later, Clay passed away at the age of 77 on June 26, 2018, on the exact same date as his beloved wife.
Dianne and Clay are buried side by side in Evergreen Memorial Park in Wilson, North Carolina, a lasting symbol of their lifelong partnership. Their legacy lives on through their daughters and grandchildren, who remember their profound love and dedication.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil