Eardive “Earl Dean” Godfrey

July 31, 1939 - February 16, 2021

A TIME TO BE BORN AND EDUCATED… On Monday, July 31, 1939 our superman was born to his parents Freeman and Johnnie Mae Godfrey in the beautiful countryside of Webster, Florida. His humble beginnings began at Mills High School where he was instructed by the best and participated in sports and other school curricular activities. During his military service, he continued his education through the Army continuing education system. A TIME TO LOVE… After a 5 year courtship, he decided to give up the single life and on November 24, 1980 he became Willie Mae Lee’s “sugar daddy” and she his “candy girl”. To this union was added 4 little “Almond Joys”, 13 “Hershey Kisses” and 12 little “Reese’s Pieces”. A TIME TO SERVE… From December 12, 1961 to November 29, 1974, Earl Dean proudly served in the United States Army, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Infantryman Badge. He also served with love, as Steward Pro-Tem, and Church School Superintendent and Teacher at the Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Bushnell, Florida. A TIME TO REST… On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Earl Dean Godfrey quietly closed his eyes surrounded by his wife and family. As promised in John 14:2-3, he was led to his new home; ever so gently. He was escorted across the threshold of mortality and in the “twinkling of an eye”, he was robed in immortality and assigned his mansion. Shortly thereafter, he was given his seat at the welcome table to begin his great reunion in sky with family and friends. TOGETHER AGAIN… He was preceded in death by his Parents: Freeman and Johnnie Mae Godfrey, 5 Brothers: Johnny Lee, Andrew, Eugene, Edward Lee and Edward Lewis; Sister, Beatrice. A TIME TO CHERISH… Earl Dean’s spirit bade farewell for now to his beloved Wife, Willie Mae of Webster, Florida; Children: Stevie Waters of Webster, Florida, Shirrea Lewis of Dade City, Florida, Master Chief Derrick Lee (Lillian) of U.S. Navy; Norfolk, Virginia, Earl Godfrey (Lissette) of Ocala, Florida; 13 Grandchildren: Joy, Taymar, Lauryn, ZaKiyah, Javaris, Latoya, Jasmin (Randy), Patrese, Meche (Quenton), Iliana, Derrick II, Earl Jr., and Ayanna; 12 Great Grandchildren: Remi, Ciella, Destiny, Celeste, Amare, Amiyah, Jay Carter, Aria, Gregory, Zechariah,Londyn and Brayden; 3 Brothers: Freeman Godfrey (Lavern) of Norfolk, Virginia, Lenard Godfrey (Mary) of Newport News, Virginia and James Godfrey (Joan) of Jacksonville, Florida; 2 Sisters: Evelyn Sanders of Plant City, Florida and Annie Wheeler of Brooksville, Florida; 8 Sisters-in-love: Medinah Godfrey, Maria Godfrey, Tina McCullough, Rosalina Wright, Deborah Green, Angela Jones (Bruce), Christi Lee and Evelyn Roberson; 3 Brothersin- heart: Samuel Lee and James Lee (Shirley), all of Webster, Florida, Michael Lee of Orlando, Florida; 1 Aunt, Matrey Law of Webster, Florida; 1 Uncle, William Mitchell of Marianna, Florida; his under the tent crew: Bryan McMullen, Lisa Reboe, Patrick Bryant, Herbert and Pat Dorsey, Frank L. and Marty Everett; his Goddaughter, Lebrica Everett; his right hand and church buddy, Gloria Sanders; his western book reading buddy, Robert Lee McDonald; the Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church Family and the countless Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and a loss for words friends who shall miss him deeply.