Dianne was a joyous gift of a woman who lived to love and serve those around her, both human and animal. Her heart beat for three main things: Jesus Christ, her family, and her friends.
Dianne entered this world on February 10, 1949, at her family home in Due West, South Carolina–a fitting entrance for someone whose family always came first in her life. When her father passed away while Dianne was still very young, her mother took on the role of supporting their family, working long hours in a shirt factory to provide for Dianne and her brother Sonny. Her mother’s steadfast love, grit, and prayerful nature engrained itself in Dianne’s heart: her first hero.
With the drive and strength of character she learned from her mother, Dianne approached life head on and began making her mark on the community. She attended school at Belton-Honea Path High School and graduated in 1967, after being involved in numerous activities, with exercise being a favorite.
A year later, she married her husband Jerry H. Garren and gained another family through the adoration of his parents and the friendship of her new true sister Pam.
She and Jerry’s love story blossomed through the birth of their son, Hunt. Hunt was Dianne’s pride and joy, and she adored him like no other.
Jerry’s military service led to transient times and some solitude for Dianne during his deployments, but her loyalty and bravery always carried her through. She lived with so much purpose that obstacles were just rolling hills to pass over.
Dianne stood by Jerry’s side, concerned about him through the big moments and the small, rainy days. Together, their love sustained them and remained true through a devoted 53-year marriage.
During their early life together, Dianne returned to school at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, South Carolina, where she trained to become a dental hygienist. Her career in the dental field helping people with their health and creating a welcoming environment lasted for over 20 years, with countless lives touched through her empathy and desire to listen and learn people’s stories. In her eyes, everyone deserved respect and compassion.
But it was never just about a job. Dianne was building lasting friendships, with a special closeness to Ann, Mary, Faye, and Marilyn. When not on the phone with one of her friends you could find her talking to family, like her nieces Lisa and Beth with whom she shared a special bond, or her sister-in-law (sister, really) Pam.
After retiring as a hygienist in 2010, she began another mission, moving to Kinston, North Carolina to take care of her beloved grandchildren, Carter and Charlie, and to spend time with her son Hunt and his wife Julie, who was like her own daughter.
Julie and Hunt met when they boarded their horses at the same barn when she was in the sixth grade. Now, this couple Dianne loved so much had brought two precious children into the world, and Dianne was able to walk alongside them and watch them embrace life.
She cherished this time. Whether it was taking Charlie to get a haircut or chatting with Carter, every moment mattered. Her loved ones were her priority. From watching Carter’s horse shows to encouraging Charlie with his love of football, she put the dreams of others before her own.
Dianne never wanted anything to suffer. Many animals have walked into her welcoming arms, sensing her gentle spirit. One such animal was Blue, a Blue Heeler with special needs. Dianne took him in and looked after him, never hesitating with his unique needs. Another time when her African Grey Parrot got loose outside on Christmas Day, she switched her focus to the bird, and stood calling to the bird, trusting their bond and hoping it would find its way back home.
Because where Dianne was—that was home.
While her country cooking could gather people around the table in warm fellowship, her heart was never solely focused on the fleeting moments. Instead, she saw an eternal picture.
An active member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina and then Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Trenton, North Carolina, her selfless nature as a wife, mother, and grandmother always pointed back to her beliefs as a Christian. She read her Bible every day and strived to nurture integrity, strong character, and Christian faith in the hearts of her grandchildren.
Even in the face of difficult illness and leaving her earthly life behind, Dianne looked ahead with boldness and bravery, speaking with hope of the joy she knew awaited her in the form of a heavenly reunion with her mother, father, and brother.
As she is welcomed into the arms of her Lord, her legacy of loving others will be carried on by her family and the lives of those she touched. All those who loved her now have a guardian angel watching over them.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held on Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home (1608 West Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC 28504). A graveside service will be held on May 21 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Belton, SC (2603 Due West Hwy, Belton, SC 29627).
Memorials may be made to the Lenoir County SPCA and to the Kitty Askins Hospice Center.