Birth Date: 09/27/1921
Deceased Date: 04/19/2018
Middlesex: Wallace O’Neal Godwin, 96, received her Heavenly promotion on Thursday, April 19, 2018 while at Rex Healthcare surrounded by her loving family.
Wallace was born in Johnston County on September 27, 1921 to the late William Richard O’Neal III and O’Mega Corbett O’Neal. She was married to the late Ralph P. Godwin. Wallace had a very accomplished career serving as school secretary for New Hope High School in Goldsboro, then serving as the Executive secretary to the Dean of Wayne Community College. For over forty years she was a member of the Laurearte XI Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, loving friendships with sorority sisters. Wallace always loved to be on the go traveling to many parts of the world, including Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Panama Canal. But, Wallace was best known for traveling the roads of Johnston County, still driving at age 96. She loved Antioch Baptist Church where she was a dedicated servant her entire life. Wallace served on many committees of the church including the building committee, finance committee and as a board of trustee. She was very instrumental in helping plan the 150th homecoming celebration of the church. Wallace looked forward to her weekly fellowship with her friends of the Antioch Church Exercise Class. Family was paramount in her life. She had such a deep love for her daughter, Will, and two grandsons. Wallace looked forward to her beach trips with the family spending time on the beach and making memories that will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. A service to remember her life will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Jonathan Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the Kenly Cemetery.
Wallace is survived by her daughter Rose Marie Godwin Arant and husband Will of Hickory; grandsons, Michael O’Neal Arant of Denver, NC, and Jonathan Grimes Arant of Cummings, GA; great grandchildren, Abby Arant at Clemson University, Grady Arant, Elijah Arant, Leah Arant, and Micah Arant; brother Bill O’Neal of Clayton, and sister Polly Johnson of Antioch; as well as many nieces and nephews from the O’Neal and Godwin side of the family.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Aline Jones, Addie Narron, Mary Lee Maddox, and O’Max O’Neal.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 8490 NC 39, Middlesex, NC 27557.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kenlyfs.com.
