Evelyn Brooks Godsey

Evelyn Brooks Godsey died peacefully on October 18, at the age of 99. Born on September 5, 1922 in Lynchburg VA, to Herbert A. and Elizabeth Beasley Brooks, she shared 56 years of life with her husband, Emmett Royal “Roy” Godsey.

Evelyn attended Lynchburg City Schools and graduated from Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. She served as an Army nurse during World War II and upon returning to Lynchburg, spent several years in private duty. She spent the rest of her career as a school nurse at various Lynchburg City Schools, retiring from Heritage High School in the early 80s. Guided by her deep faith, she was a lifelong member of West Lynchburg Baptist Church, and contributed many of her talents to church activities.

Never one to be idle, she was a beautiful seamstress and mastered every craft she encountered. She had a full woodworking shop and shared the magic of her creativity by making countless keepsakes and handmade gifts for her friends and family, especially her 6 grandchildren. With every creation, you could see, feel, and share in the warmth of her heart and intent. Whether it was through embracing the fashion statement of making “jams shorts” in the 80’s, her famous “Granny blankets”, or “bottomless” Christmas stockings filled with every gadget you would never need, she was forever caring for those she loved the most! Indeed, she was a woman of strength and virtue that is only surpassed by her heart of gold that was immeasurable.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Roy, two brothers Herbert and Ronald Brooks, a sister Hester and their respective spouses. In addition she was predeceased by her step-son Fred Scruggs, a brother-in-law and sister-in- law Ralph & Opal Godsey and a number of close cousins, with whom she shared many similar interests.

She is survived by her sons Gerald Wayne Godsey (Ann Fielder) and R. Edward Godsey (Marie (Rie) Meriwether); 6 grandchildren: Barrett Godsey Golden (Andy) of Larchmont NY, William Blair Godsey (Sally) of Roanoke, Richard Tyler Godsey (Kristin) of Roanoke, Schuyler Godsey Somers (Ryan) of Lynchburg, James Edward Taylor Godsey of Delray Beach, Florida and Leland Meriwether Godsey of Lynchburg; 10 great-grandchildren, Hayden & Whit Golden; Miles, Hampton & Teddy Godsey; Forest & Brooke Godsey; Grove, Fielder & Piper Somers.

Other survivors include nieces Joanne Godsey-Baur (Matthew) of Seminole Florida;  Elaine Godsey-Freim, of Gloucester, VA and step daughter-in-law Judy Scruggs of Sparks, Nevada.

Evelyn lived a long and healthy life, driving and living in her home well into her 90s. While first resistant to a move, she came to fully enjoy her last years at The Williams Home, participating daily in as many activities as she could fit into her busy schedule. The family is grateful to all the wonderful companionship and care provided by the staff with special admiration for Renee.

At 99 years old, her life-story is now complete, with each chapter providing a point of inspiration and celebration for what it means to be a friend, a woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. Her patience, strength, love, creativity, and passion for life now serve as points of emphasis and inspiration for all those who were lucky enough to share in the many moments that her life blessed us with. As we mourn her loss, we do so with an eye towards celebrating the very reasons that mourning is made necessary and do so knowing that the impact she had on this world will live on in spirit through the generations of those lucky enough to have been graced by her presence.

Evelyn’s long and fulfilling life will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 1 pm at West Lynchburg Baptist Church.  A reception will follow at the home of Schuyler & Ryan Somers, 1695 Trents Ferry Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Lynchburg Baptist Church, 3031 Memorial Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501; or 5 Points Music Sanctuary, 1217 Maple Ave. Roanoke, VA 24016.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.