Diane Goodell (76) of Jacksonville, Florida went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, March 17th. The devoted wife of Curtis, who passed away in 2019, and mother of Tonya and Blaine, Diane lived a life of service, often manifested in the form of cooking for others. Whether at home or in her church, those who visited were always treated to a home-cooked meal. Born September 1, 1944 in West Palm Beach, Florida, Diane moved to Jacksonville as a little girl with her Mom Annie Goolsby and Papa R.D. Goolsby II. Diane met Curtis in their years at Paxon High School (co ’62) and they married two years later; after which they made their home on the west side of Jacksonville where they raised their two children Tonya and Blaine. Diane served for many years and in many roles, but primarily as “The Cook” at Woodstock Park Baptist Church. Diane is survived by her daughter Tonya Orth (Jeff), son Blaine (Mindie), her two granddaughters Meah and Emmie Goodell, her sister Maryann Gurkin (Jim) and her brother Bobby Goolsby (Leslie), as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Jacksonville (in The Grand Lobby of the Children’s Building at the intersection of Ashley & Laura Street) on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:00am, followed by interment in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. As a precaution and out of respect for all who attend, the family requests that everyone wear a mask at the service and leave a safe space between themselves and other families while seated.
Visitation Details First Baptist Church Jacksonville 125 W Ashley Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Monday, March 29, 2021 10:00 AM
Service Details First Baptist Church Jacksonville 125 W Ashley Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Monday, March 29, 2021 11:00 AM
A very special lady she will be missed.
October 13, 2022, 8:40 am
One of my favorite memories of Diane is as the Woodstock cook. She always remembered that my youngest daughter did NOT like her spaghetti sauce and pasta mixed, so Diane would always keep out a bowl of plain pasta for her. Wednesday night suppers were always special at Woodstock!!
Jerry and Wanda Markham (Friends)
October 13, 2022, 8:41 am
We will always love you and cherish you as one of our dearest friends. We had a lot of good times together and those are the memories we hold in our hearts Sad that we can’t be together for now but happy you are with some of the ones that you loved the most. Praying for comfort and peace for family
Kitty Chance (Friend)
October 13, 2022, 8:42 am
Mrs. Goodell was my Sunday School teacher my Junior & Senior year of high school at Woodstock Park Baptist Church. She was a spiritual mentor to me. She was a wonderful wife and mother and loved the Lord. She made our Bible lessons fun and added crafts. I enjoyed her class each Sunday. She was our church chef, each week she planned a menu, shopped and prepared our Wednesday night family dinners at church. They were delicious. She taught me to make pigs in the blanket on a Sunday morning before Sunday school when I was in the collegesingles class. It was my Sunday to bring breakfast & I didnt know how to cook. Proverbs 3126 she opens her mouth with wisdom and kind instruction is on her tongue. She lived a Godly life and she was beautiful.
Cauley & Diana Patrick (Cousins)
October 13, 2022, 8:42 am
We are sorry for your loss and sweet Diane will be missed! May her memory be eternal!
Barbara Davis Watts (Cousin)
October 13, 2022, 8:43 am
We cherish all of our sweet memories of Diane. A sister in Christ as well as a beautiful woman who was a shining example of a loving Christian.
Gerald and Nancy Brown (Friends)
October 13, 2022, 8:43 am
Our hearts are broken at this news. I am so glad we went to visit her in her home the last of February, while we were in Jacksonville. She looked beautiful as always and was happy to see us. It had been way to long. RIP sweet lady