March 3, 2024, 64, Dudley —

Kathy Dianne Lovelace, age 64, formerly of Earlville IL, and a resident of Dudley NC, returned to her forever home in the sky after her courageous fight with an ongoing illness on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. Her dedication to family is remembered through generations of those who rejoice in her name and those fortunate to feel her love for if only a few moments.

She is preceded in death by her mother Judith Ballard, and stepfather John Ballard, sister Marla Buchanan, daughter Misti Smith, and grandson Trevor Smith. 

She is survived by her husband Eddie Lovelace. her siblings, Scott Buchanan, Rusty Ballard, Tracy Ballard, and LaVonda Dolan. Her children, Nathan Smith (Kelly), Erica Smith (Matt), Cori Odle (Kenny), DJ Lovelace, and Michael Lovelace (Aleeshia); her grandchildren, Michael, Nathan Jr., Brandon, Chase, Aiden, Danny, Nevaeh, Millie, and Casey and her great-grandchild, Noah.

For those who know her best, she is best described as the spirit that lifts a room. Her uncanny knack for making everyone feel like family and the ability to be anywhere for anyone made the world a better place. Her love for life and family continues on through the memories of everything she was and stood for. Whether it be her culinary expertise or her love for all God’s creatures, her impact was made on a daily basis.

The family asks for continued prayers and would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the ladies at SMOC (Amy, Aracele, and Ashley), the ladies at WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL on the 4th floor, and the caretakers at KITTY ASKINS.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Lovelace family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com