Joyce "Faye" Godwin Gaines

Joyce “Faye” Godwin Gaines, 84, of Siler City, died Saturday, May 24, 2025, on what would have been her and her late husband, Lester Allen Gaines, 68th wedding anniversary. Faye decided there was no better gift than to reunite with him in heaven.

Faye was born in Harnett County, NC on January 14, 1941, to the late Carl and Ethel Robinson Godwin. She was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Faye loved fiercely, laughed often, believed in hard work and showing up for the people you love. We will miss her deeply but her voice, her lessons, and her love will live on in every one of us. To honor her we encourage you to to gather your loved ones, laugh, hug, share your stories, and always say “I love you” when you have the chance.

She was welcomed home by many loved ones, including her cherished son, Timothy Craig Gaines and no doubt a heavenly crowd of family who’ve missed her.

Back here on Earth, legacy is vast and full of love. She leaves behind her children: Diane Ingram (Mike) of New London, and Denise Young (Mitch) of Holden Beach and Buster Gaines (Kay) of Bear Creek; her grandchildren: Casey Wagner (Greg), Spencer Moody (Adrienne), Cory Goss, and Julianna Sundett (Corey). Her great grandchildren: Faith, Austin, Landon, Madden, Noah, Tommy, Ashton (Cierra), and Chelsie; and her great great graddaughter: Oaklynn. They were always her favorite topics of conversation. And then there’s Alastor, her fifth-generation great great grandson, who earned the proud title of “Grand 5”.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, with Kim Gaines officiating.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Gaines family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com