Barbara Jean Godwin

Obituary
Rocky Mount –

Barbara Joyner Godwin, age 85, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday evening, July 16, 2023. She was born in Nash County on November 5, 1937, the third of seven children of Johnnie and Bertha Pridgen Joyner. She grew up to become a devoted wife and mother, completely dedicated to her family in every way possible and earning the prestigious title of “Best Cook We’ve Ever Known”. She was a beloved sister, aunt, and dear friend to many and adoring Mema and Grandma Godwin to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were surely her favorites. Barbara loved her Savior and was a faithful member of People’s Fellowship Baptist Church since 1964, then known as People’s Missionary Baptist. She loved and looked for opportunities to serve and found her place in the Sunday school classroom, teaching, guiding, and loving the younger children in her care for more than sixty years. She was a wonderful example to those who knew and loved her, and we are grateful for the reassurance of being with her in Heaven one day.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Everette Lee Godwin; siblings, Boice Joyner, Delton Ray Joyner, Willie Joyner, and Brenda Lamm; and great-grandson, Benjamin Godwin. She leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for her loving family, including her sons, Jeff Godwin (Teresa) of Rocky Mount and Greg Godwin (Michelle) of Tarboro; brothers, Howard H. Joyner (Peggy) of Rocky Mount and Herbert Joyner of Nashville. Barbara was especially proud of her six grandchildren: Jonathan Godwin (Courtney), Ashley Jeffreys (John), Brandon Godwin (Elizabeth), Matthew Godwin (Chelsea), Kristen Smith (Elliott), and Courtney Thomas (Brandon) and nineteen great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her special friend, Rosalie Melton, People’s Fellowship family, many nieces, nephews, family friends and other extended relatives.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at People’s Fellowship Baptist Church, 11972 E NC Highway 97, Rocky Mount, NC and other times at the home of Jeff Godwin. A service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at People’s Fellowship Baptist Church. Entombment will immediately follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC.

While floral tributes are welcomed, memorial donations to People’s Fellowship Baptist Church are also greatly appreciated.