Louise Godwin

LOUISE DANIEL GODWIN

Louise Daniel Godwin, 91, a resident of Southminster retirement community in Charlotte, died peacefully on Palm Sunday afternoon, April 5, 2009, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was born February 16, 1918 in the Bethel community near Seaboard, North Carolina. She was the only daughter of the late Mamie Bass and Rufus A. Daniel and the beloved wife of the late Lloyd K. Godwin, Sr. of Ahoskie, North Carolina for 40 years. She was also predeceased by a brother, Dr. R. A. Daniel, Jr., of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Louise was a 1938 graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh with a degree in piano music. After graduation, she moved to Ahoskie and was employed as a public school music instructor. In 1939 she began serving First Baptist Church of Ahoskie where she assisted with all aspects of the music ministry over a period of 56 years to include choir director, soloist, organist, church pianist and long time Sunday school pianist for the Radio Businessmen‚??s Bible Class. She was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church where she was one of the first women to serve in that capacity. Her dedication to the music ministry of the church was recognized when the Godwin – Raynor Music Suite at First Baptist Church was co- named in her honor in 1993. She continued her service to the church until her retirement in 1995.

Over the years, she also privately taught piano to many young people, some of whom would later chose to pursue careers in music. In addition, she either sang or played for hundreds of weddings and funerals in the Ahoskie area throughout the years.

In early 1996 she began living part time in Blowing Rock, North Carolina where she enjoyed the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains while being close to family. In 2002 she moved permanently to Southminster, a continuing care retirement community in Charlotte.

Surviving are children, Lloyd K. Godwin, Jr. and wife, Judy Kaye, of Lakeland, Florida and Daniel E. Godwin and wife, Debbie, of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. In addition, she is survived by two grandsons, Clark Lloyd Godwin and wife, Jeanie of Lakeland, Florida and Pearce Daniel Godwin of Arlington, Virginia, and one great granddaughter, Destiny Brook Godwin.

A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Ahoskie Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jesse Croom and Reverend Daniel Glaze officiating. The family will greet friends at the church following the service.

A memorial service will be held at Southminster in Charlotte at a later date.