Betty Godwin's Obituary
Betty Zene Godwin, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday November 21, 2023. Born March 30, 1934, in Hazelhurst, Georgia, daughter of the late Zene and Alva (Smith) Kirkland. Betty spent most of her childhood in Hazelhurst, Georgia before her family moved to Turkey Creek, Florida where she graduated from high school. In her early career days Betty worked at Badcock Furniture store, then became a Licensed Beautician, and then years later worked part-time in a jewelry store. Most of her life was dedicated to being a mother and housewife. She had a love and passion for reading the Bible and listening to the gospel on television. She was an exceptional listener and loved engaging in conversation about the “good ole days”. Betty, and her late husband Jim, enjoyed traveling to various places in the United States including the great state parks out West. They also loved going to Helen, Georgia to enjoy the changing of the leaves, the mountains and sitting out on their property admiring the lovely scenic lake. Her hobbies included: SHOPPING (especially for unique antiques), collecting cookbooks (recipes), and watching the cooking channel. Betty is preceded in death by: James Ralph Godwin (husband), Larry Alan Godwin (son), Zene William Kirkland (father), Alva (Smith) Kirkland (mother), Joan Kirkland Conrad (sister). She is survived by: her loving daughter Lisa Godwin Harris (Jay), grandson Emmanuel Paul Houvardas (Fabio), her two sisters Frances Faye Basel (Chuck) and Sandra Kirkland (Betsy), along with loving cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give special thanks to all the amazing caregivers through the years, the staff at Azalea Park and the Hospice team. There are no words to express our love and gratitude to all of you. The family will be receiving friends and family on Wednesday the 29th of November 2023 at: GENTRY-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME SOUTHSIDE CHAPEL, 1727 BARTOW ROAD, LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33801, 863-688-7679, VISITATION 9:00am and the SERVICE is at 10:00am.
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