Josephine Reynolds Godwin

Josephine Jarvis Muirhead Reynolds Godwin, 83, of Coral Gables, FL & Asheville, NC died peacefully at her home on October 6, 2011 surrounded by her family. Josie was born on December 6, 1927, in New York, NY. During her life, she lived abroad in Haiti where she learned French as her first language and returned to the States at the age of three. She had homes in Coral Gables, FL, Asheville, and Lake Lure, NC. Josie was the daughter of the late Helen Jarvis Reynolds and late Eugene Benton Reynolds, and the late John Gordon Muirhead of Scotland. She is survived and loved by many, especially her husband of 63 years, William Francis "Buddy" Godwin Jr. She was introduced to her future husband by his dear late sister, Constance Godwin Groves, and was married after three wonderful months of courtship. She is also survived by her three children, son, William Francis "Frank" Godwin III (Robin) of Coral Gables, FL; daughters, Cynthia Lewis (Gary) of Indialantic, FL; and Connie Morgan (Chris) of Asheville, NC. Also important in Josie's life was the late Hattie Mae Glenn who, although not a Godwin, was every bit apart of the family and helped raise the Godwin's three children. Josie, known by her grandchildren as "Meme,” was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Coral Gables, FL. and a member of Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, NC. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Women's Garden Club of Asheville, the Cotillion Club of Miami, FL, and the Fairchild Garden Club of Miami. She was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing most of her life. In addition, she leaves seven grandchildren who were very special to her. They are grandson, James M. Sutton (Katie) of Raleigh, NC; granddaughters, April M. Griggs (Sean) of Gastonia, NC; Bettina M. Howard (Nic) of Huntersville, NC; Stacia G. Smith (Brad) of Peachtree City, GA; DeLain M. Mott (Chris) of Denver, CO and grandsons, William Francis "Quarter" Godwin IV of Coral Gables, FL. and Robert Chris "Bobby" Morgan Jr. of Asheville, NC. She leaves eight great-grandchildren, Avery Whalen, Rowan Long, Faryn Long, Ali Smith, Josie Sutton, James Sutton III, Paxton Howard, and Austin Smith as well as several nieces and nephews who were also very special and dear to her. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to each of her dear friends who gave of themselves to enrich her life; to the at-home companion/caregiver Tammy Warner, to her special caregivers- Visiting Angles, and Care Partners-Hospice. Her homecoming service will be at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, NC on Saturday, October 15, at 2:00pm with The Rev. Victor Mansfield officiating, with a reception immediately following in the Church Hall. There will be a private interment ceremony for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation be made in Josie's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (online at ALZ.ORG or Alzheimer's Association P O Box 960111 Washington, DC 20090-6011).