LENA RUSHING GODWIN

Mrs. Lena Rushing Godwin, age 88, passed away on September 7, 2021 peacefully at her home with her husband by her side. She was born December 1, 1932 in Ponce de Leon, Florida to William Esker and Daisy B. Rushing. Lena was married to the love of her life Charles Edward Godwin for 59 years.  She was raised in the Valley View Community with her 9 siblings. Mrs. Godwin attended Valley View Community School while helping her family share crop. She and her siblings would walk 5 miles to school regardless of the weather.  She later began working at what was then Koeber's poultry processing plant, where she worked for 36 years.  She retired as a USDA inspector, after being diagnosed with cancer in 1995.  Over the next decade, she selflessly cared for her family and friends, often at the bedside of her loved ones as they passed.  Mrs. Godwin loved Thanksgiving when all her family, past coworkers, widows or strangers she had met that week; would gather together for a massive meal and love one another. She enjoyed cooking large meals for family and friends and went out of her way to make sure everyone felt at home. She loved when everyone was full. Mrs. Godwin was blessed with four grandchildren, Callie, Cory, Jessica and Britni; who she loved unconditionally. She spent every moment she could loving them and spoiling them. She was a proud granny and would brag to anyone who would listen about her grandchildren. She was an example to us all how to care for one another.  Through the constant presence and care of her husband, Mrs. Godwin battled three different cancer diagnoses and treatments over 15 years to become cancer free. During this time she shown a strength like no other. She truly battled and won her victory over cancer because of her faith in the Lord and her love for her family. In 2014, she had a severe stroke which left her unable to walk.  Through this extreme adversity she always maintained her joy and devotion to her family.  Her phone calls and bed side visits were a place of wisdom, sound counsel and where you would always get "the truth in love". She was often visited by friends and those chicken plant co-workers from over 30 years after their working together.  Mrs. Godwin valued life-long friendships, choosing to love, forgive and serve all those she met. She raised her two boys to be God fearing, hardworking and honest men, who at their core today are ..."momma's boys". She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Lillie, Thedwell, Theodore, Theopolis, Willie Pearl, Albert, Francis and Donald. She is survived by one sibling, Alice Crobin.
Mrs. Godwin is survived by her loving husband, Charles Edward Godwin. Sons Alan and wife Tammy Godwin, Cory and wife Tammy Jo-Shae Godwin. Grandchildren Callie Jo-Shae Godwin, Cory and wife Brayden Godwin, Jessica Godwin and Britni Godwin. Five grandchildren Elaina Jo-Shae (JoJo) Casey, Sophia Godwin, Lena Grace (LuLu) Casey, Grayton Casey, and Cohen Godwin.
Flowers are welcomed but the family suggests memorials be made in Lena Godwin’s memory to Regency Hospice or ones favorite charity.   A time of visitation will be Friday, September 10, 2021 from 4 until 5 P.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel with the service beginning at 5PM with Brother Tim Harris officiating.