Patricia Diane Broadwater

Patricia Diane Broadwater was born June 2, 1956, in Saluda, South Carolina to the late James and Wilma Howard. She was the 7th born of 8 children. Patricia, affectionately known as “Diane”, transitioned to her eternal home on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Diane was educated in the Saluda County School District and was a graduate of the class of 1973. She furthered her education at Columbia Commercial College with a Professional Secretarial degree in 1975. Early in her career, she worked at the Insurance Institution for more than 15 years. Afterward, she began her longtime stint at Prisma Heath Baptist, formerly known as Palmetto Health Baptist. She was a dedicated employee and received several awards throughout her 29 years of service. She was known for her bubbly personality, quick wit, and a laugh that could be heard throughout the halls. Diane never met a stranger and was able to make anyone feel at ease in her presence. She left a wonderful and loving impression on all with whom she came in contact.

Diane was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church College Place. She enjoyed working as an advisor of the Junior Musical Choir, attending her weekly aerobics classes at the Wiley Kennedy Family Life Center, and attending a number of church functions throughout the years. She attended church every Sunday until her illness and continued to faithfully support her church family from home by watching the weekly Livestream services with her longtime neighbors Deacon Willie Trapp and family.

Aside from her love of her church and work family, Diane loved her family and friends. She always took special care to find the “perfect” gift for those she loved. She was easy to talk to and always made time to offer a friendly ear.  She sparkled in her quirky glasses, funky jewelry, colorful nails, and infamous red lipstick. She also loved music and would spend hours playing her favorite albums from beginning to end. She loved having loved ones over after church for Sunday dinner and to watch anything from football, to Lifetime, to HGTV, etc. Diane truly loved people and to know her was to love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James Henry Howard and James Howard, Jr.

Cherishing her memories are her beloved daughter India Naté Broadwater; her siblings Willie and Jimmy Howard of Philadelphia, PA, Lillian (Roger) Carter of Miami, FL, Delores Gantt of Saluda, SC, and Elizabeth Howard of Atlanta, GA; her nieces Roshonda (Jerelle) Gainey of Atlanta, GA, Sherrell (Greg) Gallashaw of Middletown, DE, and Sonia (Kevin) Howard West of Columbia, SC ; her nephew Antonio Gantt of Saluda, SC; her godchildren Bristal (Matthew) Austin and Rev. Darrius (Kierra) Graves; her longtime best friend/sister Alicia W. Cornelius and Patricia Adams; and her longtime neighbor and friend Regina Allison.

She will be loved and missed dearly by a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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