Ellen Godfrey Forward

Ellen Godfrey Forward, 71, of Greensboro, passed away peacefully in her home on March 11, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born August 24, 1953, to the late Jim and Edna Godfrey of High Point. She was preceded in death by her brother, Heath Godfrey of Greensboro, NC. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Eddie Forward of Greensboro, NC; daughter, Tara Hertzell and husband, Justin and their children, Heidi and Braxtyn of Charlotte, NC; son, Edward “Buddy” Forward and wife Vida and their children, Boyce and JanJay of New York, NY and brother, Michael Godfrey and wife, Kristine and their children, Kaitlyn and Spencer of Greensboro. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Frances Godfrey, her daughter Lindsey Costello and husband, Bobby and their son Logan Costello of Greensboro.

After graduating from Trinity HS in Archdale, NC, she attended Western Carolina University where the love story with Eddie began and grew. She transferred to the UNC Greensboro School of Nursing where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree. Her nursing career began with different private practices before joining Women's Hospital in Greensboro. This led to her moving to the Cone Cancer Center where her career led to earning Nurse Excellence at Cone and a stint as Head Nurse of the Cancer Center. During that time, she was a speaker at three National conventions and published in the National Nurses Magazine. Taking a break from management, she worked as a Staff Nurse at UNC Hospital, then a year with Hospice of Greensboro. Cone called again where she went with Dr. Ennever to open the cancer unit in the new satellite location on Hwy 68. She ended her journeyed career working with the NC Prison System. Throughout her career, her magnetic smile, caring nature, and immense understanding of the nursing process brought comfort to the many patients and families she worked with.

Ellen loved being outside. Gardening was her hobby, and her back yard took on a work of art. She could often be seen working with a child, grandchild, or pet by her side. She also loved family and family events, even better if outdoors. Day trips of any type were high on her list. Many starting with no real destination in mind, many including, let’s turn up this road and see where it goes. She always enjoyed and supported her children’s, then grandchildren’s sports activities. Around the year 2000, she discovered Hilton Head, and it instantly became her go to for vacation and relaxation. Many miles of bike trails, kayaking waterways, bike rides on the beach and wave therapy were enjoyed over the years. Later in life, she developed a love of horses through supporting a grandchild’s activity. Weather permitting, a weekly visit to the barn to talk to the horses and share a peppermint were always on the schedule.

A memorial service to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 23, in the Lineberry Center at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro. The family will received friends following the service at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated or consider making a donation in Ellen’s memory to AuthoraCare Hospice (her hospice provider), 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215, authoracare.org