Dianne Godfrey passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 72 and is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dianne served as a substitute teacher in the Polk County School District for many years.  If you've been a teacher in the system, you knew you could rely on Mrs. Godfrey. Her former students remember the stories she would tell and how much she enjoyed being with them in the classroom. You could also find her cheering on the Polk County Wildcats many Friday Nights. She loved those 'Cats! Beyond the classroom, she was a member of Welcome Valley Baptist Church, where she also served the community that she loved dearly.

Dianne loved to travel and to cook, and she was best known for the cakes she baked and decorated for so many special occasions. If you ever attended a birthday, wedding, or celebration in the community, chances are you've enjoyed one of her creations. Outside the kitchen, she cherished road trips to Myrtle Beach, where she made some of her happiest memories with friends and family.

Most of all, her family was blessed by how much she celebrated them. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another."  That is exactly what Dianne did on a day-to-day basis for those she loved unconditionally: give a thumbs up, share an encouraging word or bible verse, or offer a prayer.

Dianne is preceded in death by her father, Ernest Willie Rush; her mother, Olene Louise (Curbow) Rush; her husband, Burch Godfrey; and her younger brother, Ronald Houston Rush.

She is survived by her son, Danny Godfrey (Tiffany); her granddaughter, Alexis; her younger sister and brother, Connie Dunn (Michael), Leslie Rush (Robin); her nieces and nephew, Julie Faulkner (Derek), Anita Still (Bo), Matthew Rush (Carmen), Emily Howell (Steve), Mary Rush; her great nieces and nephew, Machaela Scott, Isabella Scott, Xander Still, Ariana Still, Gralyn Still, Lydia Howell; and special friend Cru Ross.

Dianne, a sister in Christ, wife, mother, Mamaw, sister, and aunt, will be missed greatly by those who love her, but they look forward to the day they will see her again. Dianne's friends and family will remember her most for her joyful and peaceful spirit, supportive nature, loyalty, creativity, and kindness.

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Carl Haulk, Pastor Chad Maxwell and Cru Ross officiating.  Interment will follow at Old Ocoee Cemetery, with Fred Rush III., Justin Rush, Zachary Rush, Avery Jones, Gatlin Lanning, Matthew Haire, and Philip Jones serving as pallbearers.

Her family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com.

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.