Hilda Godwin

RALEIGH - Hilda Godwin, a resident at The Oaks at Whitaker Glen - Mayview, completed her earthly life on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. She was born in the Meadow/Peacock’s Crossroad area of Johnston County on Nov. 8, 1919, to the late John B. Godwin and Martha Franklin “Frankie” Lee Godwin. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Gladys Godwin Lee (Chester), Thelma Godwin Barefoot (Theotis), Hazel Godwin Barefoot (Audie), and her brothers, Henry Thomas Godwin (Margaret) and Bertus Townsend Godwin. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Holland Godwin (Bertus), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-great nieces and - nephews. Through the years she became and remained “Aunt Hilda” to some of their childhood friends. Though she never had children, she was like a second mother to some and remained a part of their lives until her death. Hilda graduated from Meadow High School and later attended King’s Business College in Raleigh. She worked in the business office of the Naval Shipyard in Norfolk during WWII, worked in Fayetteville for a couple of years afterwards, then moved to the Raleigh area. After working as a bookkeeper for Johnson-Lambe, she accepted a position with Connecticut General Insurance Company, where she remained until her retirement. Hilda’s greatest loves were her church, her family, and her friends. As a child she attended Trinity Baptist Church in Meadow. It was there she said that her Sunday School teachers taught her scriptures and how to share her beliefs with others. They prepared her to become a Sunday School teacher. When her family moved to Sampson County, Hilda became a member of Mary’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and a Sunday School teacher for older adults. Their expressions of appreciation encouraged her and helped her live a more faith-filled life. In Raleigh, she found a spiritual home at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Lifelong friendships were formed with those in her Sunday School class and women’s circles.   As a greeter, she welcomed old friends with a smile and a hug. Smiles and hugs were given to let you know that you were special and that someone cared. Throughout her life, Hilda maintained her connections to the churches that had spiritually fed and encouraged her. She was an inspiration to her family and friends. Always greeting you with a smile and a hug, and, in your darkest moments, reminding you that God loved you, advising you to put your faith and trust in Him, and that He would never forsake you. There were memorized verses of scriptures often quoted when most needed. They were not just words to her, but a way of life that she lived each day. She said God had guided her life. He had blessed her with parents that taught her to try daily to be a good person and to help others. She reached out with birthday cards, “Thinking of You” notes, get well wishes, phone calls, and holiday cards. He had given her a good family and good friends.   He had enabled her to travel with them on bus tours or family vacations to all but eight of the United States and also in Europe. As a young woman, she had traveled on sleeper-car trains to New York City on Friday night, attended Broadway plays on Saturday, and returned home by train on Sunday. Hearing the stories of things she had done and places she had seen, inspired the younger members of her family. But, most inspiring was her faith-filled life. Whatever she did, she did it with a smile, a “God loves you,” and a hug. Her example lives on in the lives of her family members and friends. For a little girl from Johnston County who thought that traveling to Benson by horse and wagon with Papa was a real adventure, she was amazed at the things God had enabled her to do in her life. She wanted to make a difference in the lives she touched. From teaching little children the many songs she learned in childhood to adding you to her daily prayer list, she made a difference.   She will be missed. The family of Hilda Godwin wishes to express our appreciation to the staff and caregivers at The Oaks and Mayview for their compassion, patience, and tender care. Thank you also to the Edenton Street UMC family and many visitors who read Bible scriptures and Upper Room devotions. These simple acts of love fed Hilda’s spiritual needs. As Hilda requested, there will be a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Newton Grove, NC on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The cemetery is located about one mile south of Newton Grove, NC on US Hwy 701. The family will greet friends on Sunday, January 7, 2018, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mary’s Chapel Baptist Church, c/o Mrs. Pattie Bland, 1616 Share Cake Rd., Clinton, NC 28328, or to Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.