Olive Singleton Godley | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Olive Singleton Godley, age 88, of 6118 264 E., Douglas Cross Roads Community, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

    She was the baby girl of eight children born on the family farm April 13, 1926 in Beaufort County to Thomas McDonald and Carrie Cutler Singleton.

    She lived the majority of her life in this community and was affectionately known as Ms. Olive or Aunt Olive. Throughout her life she was active in her community and church until a severe stroke in 2004 leaving her partially paralyzed. The stroke weakened her body but never her mind or spirit. She enjoyed the world around her regardless of her physical condition and leaves a legacy, "Never give up or quit."

    Blessed with remarkable memory and conversation, she gave her family and friends wonderful childhood stories of her life on Broad Creek Road, The Depression, World War II, words of wisdom, and family heritage. During her ten and a half year confinement at home family and friends continued to visit, sharing memories, and laughter with their visits.

    Ms. Olive was a dedicated life member of Beaver Dam Church serving in leadership roles in Church Circles, Women's Union, and Young At Heart. She participated in the church choir for 30 years and instilled her love of music with her family and friends. Ms. Olive's strong faith, positive outlook, and fierce independency kept her strong through adversity, beating the odds with breast cancer, diabetes, stroke, and broken hip.

    Home was very special and her greatest achievement and fulfillment was raising her children. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, antiquing, sewing, bowling, and traveling. After her children were married she began a new career working with Beaufort County Social Services and Council on Aging. Ms. Olive organized workshops, activities, and trips for senior citizens in Beaufort County. She was the co-owner of The Walnut Shoppe and was instrumental in developing Granville Trails, Hillside, and Country Place homesites.

    Ms. Olive was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Walter, Margie, Charlie, Pauline, Leon, baby brother, Thomas; former daughter-in-law, Katherine S. Godley, and former husband and father of her children, Bob.

    She is survived by daughter, Janice Chesson and husband, Henton; sons, Gary Godley and wife Thelma, and Rodney Godley; grandchildren, Russ and Jan Ellen Chesson, Mary Ann Cooper, Carlton, Chris, and Rod Godley, Lisa Lewis, Tiffany Smith, and Cindy Woolard; great-grandchildren, Camden and Nolan Cooper, Ryan Godley, Haley Hutchins, Cameron, Carter, and Anna Kate Lewis, Mason Smith, JC and Elizabeth Woolard, numerous nieces and nephews; devoted sister, Louise Leggett, and sister-in-law, Sue Singleton of Kampong Thom, Cambodia.

    The family is most appreciative with the love and care given to Ms. Olive during her sickness by Vanessa Floyd, Virginia Brown, Marie Grizzard, Tina Pilgreen, family friend, Marty W. Gurganus; Vidant Wellness & Rehab staff, Ridgewood Rehab, Dr. Jessica Triche/staff, and Vidant Hospice/Inpatient Hospice in Greenville.

    A memorial service in celebration of her life will be at Paul Funeral Home on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 3 o'clock. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 prior to the service. Private interment will be at Pamlico Memorial Gardens.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children's Home Society of NC, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27499-4328 or Beaver Dam Church Memorial Fund, 5125 US 264 E., Washington NC 27889.

    Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Godley family.