Martha Ann Godwin

Martha Ann Godwin, 81 of Cordova, Tennessee, passed away on May 6, 2024, at NHC Somerville after fighting a long battle with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ann, as she preferred to be called, was born on September 7, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. She is survived by her children, Jeff Haynie and Lorie Beville (Johnny) and her honorary daughter, Terri Fisher (Tad); her grandchildren, Kevin Beville (Ashley), Brittni Phyfer (Matt), Morgan MacBride (Jerry), seven great-grandchildren and one brother, Wayne Godwin (Iris).

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert Harold and Margie Godwin and her brother, Michael Godwin. 

Ann attended Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee. She was employed as a secretary and office manager for several companies before working for her father’s construction and real estate investment company. She helped manage several church construction projects in the Memphis area. After her father's death in 1995, she opened her own business, Ann Godwin Real Estate Investments.

Ann’s life before Alzheimer’s Disease was very full; she enjoyed traveling (especially cruises), antique shopping, completing crossword puzzles, astrology, researching her family genealogy, reading her Bible and Bible study, and watching college and professional football games (especially Ole Miss and the Dallas Cowboys). Ann was a huge dog lover, and she helped Lorie rescue and foster many dogs. 

She really loved being a Nana! Ann attended birthday parties, Grandparent's Day at schools, graduations, and other events for her grandkids; she hosted many sleepovers, took them shopping and spoiled them. She enjoyed going to her granddaughters’ dance competitions and recitals.

Her life for the past year at NHC was filled with lasting memories. Lorie, son in law Johnny, Jeff and Morgan visited (and called) as much as they could; every holiday and her birthday were celebrated. Her honorary daughter, Terri visited recently from Idaho. The loving staff at NHC and Caris Hospice took wonderful care of Ann, and they loved her. They made her part of their extended family. 

Ann’s favorite food was ice cream, so she got weekly milkshakes Lorie brought from Sonic. Morgan painted her Nana's fingernails often since it was one of her favorite things to have done. Her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Rowan drew pictures for her during their visits and they even went “trick or treating” with her and the other residents last Halloween.

Ann adored her dog Darcie, and it helped lift her spirits when Darcie visited her at the care facility. 

There will be a private cremation service on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center, 10670 Hwy 64, Somerville, TN 38068.

In remembrance of Ann’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Team Memphis Rescue & Support (www.TeamMemphis.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.Alz.org).