Ruth Godfrey

Mary Ruth Godfrey, 92, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on November 14, 1928 to the late Ernest and Reesie Pankey in Benton, TN.

Mary Ruth was the oldest living founding member of Welcome Valley Baptist Church.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jessie Herbert Godfrey; infant daughter, Linda Fay Godfrey; grandparents, Will and Mary Bishop; siblings, James (Sue) Pankey, Hazel (Roy) Burris, Myrtle (Gene) Lawson and Mildred McAlister.

Survivors include her loving children, Carolyn (Hoyt) Stokes, Danny (Naomi) Godfrey, Connie Osment, Cathy (Dwayne) Wooten and Pam Lankford; grandchildren, Stephanie Godfrey, Casey Stokes, Robbie (Amanda) Wooten, Matthew (Lee) Wooten, Kevin (Jennifer) Wooten, Clay (Becky) Godfrey, Keith (Jennifer) Godfrey, Steven Osment and Mark Osment; brother, E.L. (Louise) Pankey; brother-in-law, Clyde McAlister; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Sammy Hooker and Pastor Charles Moore officiating.  Interment will be held at Benton Memorial Gardens with her grandsons serving as pallbearers.

Her family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.