Carolyn Kellum Godfrey

Carolyn was born in Indianapolis on May 7, 1934, to Robert and Helen Kellum.

She was a member of the Shortridge High School class of 1952 and received a degree in sociology and psychology in 1956 from Purdue University, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She received a Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University in 1958.

Carolyn was a social worker and supervisor at Riley Hospital for a total of 23 years between 1958 and retiring in 1996, with time taken during that period for raising children and two years as a social worker for Indianapolis Public Schools. Her leadership with the Riley Child Psychiatry program and multidisciplinary Diabetes Team, as well as her presentations at professional conferences, were acclaimed by colleagues, administrators, and medical staff. She very much enjoyed being a mother and helping her children to become understanding adults.

In 1957 she married Lewis W. Dunham, Jr., who died in 1958. They had one son, James. On December 27, 1961, she married Culver C. Godfrey, Jr., who adopted James.

Carolyn assisted in the startup of Public TV in Indianapolis by canvassing for neighborhood donations as a member of Ardath’s Army. She was active in the League of Women Voters and Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Association. She grew up in First Friends Meeting and was for many years active at All Saints Episcopal Church and churches in the communities where she lived after retirement. She returned to First Friends late in life.

After retirement she enjoyed many years of travel and living in Pentwater, Michigan, and Bloomington, Indiana, before returning to Indianapolis.

Carolyn was predeceased by her first husband, Lewis Dunham, son James Lewis Godfrey, and parents Robert and Helen Kellum. Survivors are husband Culver Godfrey, sons Steven Godfrey (David Martin) and Mark Godfrey (Swati Gunale), and grandchildren Cooper Godfrey, Libby O’Neall, and Kade McCurdy.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 3:00 pm, at First Friends Meeting, 3030 Kessler Blvd E. Dr., Indianapolis. Fellowship and visitation will follow at the church from 4:00 to 5:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First Friends Meeting, Riley Hospital for Children, or WFYI Public Television.