Diane Estridge Buckner

Diane Estridge Buckner

On August 24, 2026, Diane Estridge Buckner was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is exactly where she longed to be, at peace with the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life.

Diane was born and raised in Siler City, North Carolina, the daughter of the late William and Ruby Estridge. A graduate of Jordan-Matthews High School, she remained deeply rooted in the community she loved and spent her life building friendships and connections that lasted a lifetime.

To know Diane was to know kindness. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Whether she was visiting a new place, sitting down at a restaurant, or walking through church on Sunday morning, she had a gift for making people feel welcome. Her warm smile, caring heart, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Diane's faith was the foundation of her life. As a longtime member of Rocky River Baptist Church, she found joy in worship, fellowship, serving others, and spending time with her church family. Her faith wasn't something she simply talked about; it was something she lived every day through her compassion, generosity, and love for others.

More than anything, Diane loved her family. Known affectionately as "Maw Maw," she treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. Whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering on her grandkids, sharing stories, or simply enjoying time together, those moments meant the world to her. Her family was her greatest blessing and her greatest joy.

The beach held a special place in Diane's heart. There was nowhere she would rather be than walking along the sand collecting seashells, shark’s teeth, or watching the waves roll in. She also loved traveling, making memories with friends, and finding reasons to celebrate life's simple joys.

Diane devoted many years to serving as Chatham County Deputy Clerk of Court. Her dedication and commitment to her community earned her the respect of colleagues and everyone she served. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina's highest civilian honors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruby Estridge, and her beloved grandson, Trace Buckner.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughter, Heidi Buckner Matthews and husband Neil; her son, Ritch Buckner and wife Tammy; her son, Shane Buckner and wife Cheryl; her grandchildren, Chase Matthews, Chandler Matthews, Caroline Matthews, Olivia Buckner, Ruby Buckner, and Anna Claire Buckner; and her sister, Wilda Estridge Senter.

While Diane's family will miss her deeply, they are grateful for the countless memories, lessons, and love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the faith she demonstrated, the friendships, and the family she adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Rocky River Baptist Church or the Trace Buckner Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Donations may be mailed to UNC-Chapel Hill, Post Office Box 309, Chapel Hill NC 27514-0309 or made online at https://give.unc.edu/gift/tbuckner

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Buckner family.