Retha Mae Godsey, 77, passed away on Thursday (July 26, 2018) at her residence with her family by her side. Retha Mae was born on May 6, 1941 in Parrottsville, TN to the late Preston Avery & Alice Hazel (Ottinger) Griffith. Retha Mae married the loved her of life on June 14, 1964, and after 54 years of a wonderful marriage and raising a family, her husband survives.
Retha Mae was very active in her children’s life. She was a member of the Sullivan County Recreational Association, and was always willing to help out in the concession stands. She loved cooking and crafts. Retha Mae was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents, Retha Mae was preceded in death by her son, Robert (Robby) Lee Godsey II, daughter, Tracy Childress; grandson, Jerry “Little Jerry” Wayne Oaks, Jr.; brother, James “Jimmy” Griffith; and sister, Shirley Harless.
Left to cherish her memories are her beloved husband, Robert Lee Godsey; son, Josh Godsey & wife Tahnee; daughters, Cindy Johnson & husband Randy, Betty Ann Ensor & husband Robert, Syonia “Pat” Oaks & husband Jerry, and Amanda “Mandy” Wells (granddaughter); daughter-in-law, Kathy Godsey; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Judy Griffith; brother-in-law, Wayne Harless; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday (August 1, 2018) from 5 to 7 pm at Merciful Grace Fellowship (385 Bancroft Chapel Road Kingsport, TN 37660). Funeral services will follow at 7 pm with Pastor Shannon Powers and Pastor Randy Perciful officiating.
Committal services will be held on Thursday (August 2, 2018) at 2 pm. in the Garden of Memories at East Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Godsey, Tyler Winston, Austin Godsey, Randy Johnson, David Foulk, and Jerry Oaks. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Oaks, Joe Oaks, Jacob Wells, Jabin Shelton, Travis Shelton, and Hughie Godsey.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Avalon Hospice for all the kind and compassionate care that was provided to Robert & Retha Mae during her time of need.
Online condolences may be made to the Godsey family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Godsey family.
