Joyce Eugenia Willis Godfrey, long-time resident of Gainesville, died Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Morningside Assisted Living, where she had resided for two years.
Joyce was born in Westminster, SC, on May 31, 1927, to parents Albert and Ruth Willis. In March 1936, her family moved to Chicopee. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1944 and from North Georgia College with a degree in business in 1946. Joyce married Ray E. Godfrey in 1948, moving to Gainesville a few years later.
For 20 years, Joyce held the position of bookkeeper at Gainesville High School, retiring in 1997. She served as Treasurer for the Girl Scout Yonah Council for many years as well as dedicated Troop leader for each of her daughters. After Ray and Joyce became members of St. Paul United Methodist church in the mid-1950's, Joyce was involved with the United Methodist Women, Willing Workers Sunday School Class and First Monday Cafe. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, attending to her rose garden, spending time with family, and playing tennis. Additionally, Joyce was a member of the Garden Club, her very special Bridge Club, and a bowling league. She always found time to serve others while maintaining her greeting card ministry and visitation to shut-ins. Her gracious attitude and kindness impacted many lives. As a mother and grandmother, it was her joy to spend time with family. She enjoyed shopping, eating out, traveling and staying connected through texting and Facebook. Joyce Godfrey was an amazing lady who always saw the best in others.
The family would like to thank all the staff of Morningside Assisted Living for their faithful and loving care of our "precious" Mother and Grandmother. We extend appreciation to Halcyon Hospice for their assistance during her last days.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Ray E. Godfrey and sisters: Emma Willis and Mary W. Smith.
She is survived by siblings: Albert "Bubba" Willis, Samille "Sammy" Sewell, John C. Willis, and daughters: Kay Beaver and husband Darrel, Mary Nichols and husband Robert, Joyce Anne Skinner and husband Kerry, grandchildren: C.C. Ray Hill, Jonathan Ray, Stephanie Beaver, Lisa K. (Elder) Hudson, Emily Elder, and a number of step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Little and Davenport Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, from 2 to 4p.m. and 6 to 8p.m. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Washington Street. Following the memorial service, friends and family are invited to attend a reception in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers please remember St. Paul United Methodist Church (404 Washington St., Gainesville, GA 30501) and For His Kingdom Missions, Inc. (P.O. Box 620, Murrayville, GA 30564/ www.ForHisKingdom.org ).
Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements
