Diane Marie Smith Godwin, age 68, of Wilmington passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She was born November 8, 1948 in Newark, New Jersey the daughter of the late William Saenger and Marion Arnashus Smith. She is also preceded in death by her nephews, James Anthony Worrell and Michael Honke.

Diane had a passion for making others laugh and bringing smiles to children's faces, she enjoyed doing ventriloquism and clowning for local youth programs. She had a sheriff puppet named Casey and a bear puppet named Vernon that carried positive messages to kids about staying on the straight path in life. Diane also enjoyed sewing, crafting, card making and painting, she loved the Lord and loved her family and relished time spent in the presence.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Colon Leo Godwin; three daughters, Sherry Lynn Hess, Karen Hess Barnhill and husband Kenny and Tara Michelle Hess; grandson, Joshua Bryan Barnhill; sisters, Dorothy Herring and Donna Worrell and husband William; nephew, Henry Herring Jr. and wife Kristen; nieces, Jennifer Herring Sullivan and husband Ben, and Mary Beth Worrell; and great nieces; Harper Sullivan and Emma Herring; great nephew, Cooper Sullivan; Cousins, Kevin Galloway and Karen Galloway Sell; faithful and beloved canine companion and service dog, Izzacar aka "Izzy"; and numerous other loving family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canines for Service

http://www.caninesforservice.org/

.

Family will receive friends at 4 pm Sunday at 307 Putnam Drive Wilmington, NC 28411.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, February 27, 2017 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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Quinn McGowen Wilmington Chapel, 315 Willow Woods Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409. 910.794.7171