 Diane Denton Marks HENDERSON, NC--Diane Denton Marks, 57, of Henderson passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023. She was born on June 23, 1966 to Callie S. Denton and Lucy Foster Denton in Franklin County.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in- law Janice Marks and sister-in-law Crystal Pope.
Those left to cherish her memory, her husband Benjamin Marks III; her daughter, Kalie Pendleton (Robert Dale); four grandchildren Lainey Diane Pendleton and Addyson "Addy" Rose Pendleton, Montana Grace Pendleton and Lucas Dale Pendleton; siblings Brantley Denton (Pam) and Amy Denton; double first cousin, Karen Ann Denton Mitchell; niece and nephews, David Bean (Violet), Gracie, Hayden and Jackson Denton.
To know Diane was to love Diane, and to be loved by Diane. She was the epitome of God's love here on earth. She was devoted to her family, always making sure her loved ones were taken care of and protected. Her two baby granddaughters, Lainey Diane and Addy Rose, gave her strength to fight for life the past seven months. During this time, Sunday night dinners with her family became a new tradition. Diane looked forward to them every week. When she wasn't able to physically be there, FaceTime allowed her to still be in the room and share in the memory-making. She had to see her grand-babies, including Lucas and Montana Pendleton, and special family friend, Derrick Wade.
Diane cherished and nurtured relationships with family and friends because they meant the world to her. And, she loved and cared dearly for all animals, especially her own, rescuing many of them. She called them her "babies", too.
Diane served her church, Girl Scouts of Vance/Warren County, Relay for Life of Franklin County, and Franklin County Schools with commitment and all of her heart.
She had a passion for helping children and teaching them about Jesus. As a loyal member of Centerville Baptist Church, where she gave her life to Christ as a teenager, she was a leader and role model for children and youth. She taught various children's Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School classes with enthusiasm and creativity for over 35 years. Kids were drawn to Diane. She touched, and forever impacted, the lives of countless children. She made a difference.
As Troop Leader and Service Unit Manager for Vance/Warren Girl Scouts, Diane continued her mission of ministry to young girls and women for nearly 20 years. She served as her daughter, Kalie's, Troop Leader for 13 years (from the age of 5-18 years old). She guided and supported Kalie as she achieved her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. Diane was instrumental and influential in other young women achieving their Gold Award, too. Service and community were important to her. She instilled confidence in these young women to change the world. She made a difference.
Diane retired from Franklin County Schools after 33 years of hard work and dedicated service to Central Office and the Board of Education. She gave her all to make a difference for students of Franklin County. One of her greatest joys in serving Franklin County Schools was being a committee member for Relay for Life. She saw personally, even before her own battles with cancer, how the disease affected her father and other family members and close friends. Diane was very compassionate in following God's plan for her life. She made a difference.
Diane saw the good in ALL people and her patience and kindness were presented in everything she did. She taught people, young and old, to believe in themselves, to love themselves and one another, and, most importantly, to love God. She was the purest soul there ever was. She made a difference. She will forever make a difference.
Family received friends and visitors on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church, 5741 NC Hwy 561, Louisburg, NC, with Funeral Service followed at 3 p.m. Burial immediately followed at Foster Family Cemetery in Louisburg.
Arrangements are being handled by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services, 804 N. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, NC 27549. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.
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