Mother Jossie Godfrey, 95, was a gift sent to the union of James and Mary McBride on July 16, 1917. She was the second born of 12 children, and grew up in Liberty, TX. In her earlier years, she received her educational foundation in Liberty, as well as her spiritual one. As she matured in both, she went on to attend Texas Southern University, and completed her degree in the educational field. She testified that it was her knowledge and trust in direction of the Holy Spirit, which led her to accept the proposal of marriage from the late Bishop William N. Godfrey. The two were married in 1935, and remained in partnership for a total of 67 years. Within that time frame, Josie helped develop and/or found and grow several churches under the headship of her husband. Their ministries consisted of Wallisville COGIC; Barnett Chapel COGIC, in Port Arthur, TX; Devers COGIC, in Devers, TX; Godfrey Chapel COGIC in Liberty, TX, where the two served for over 40 years, and North Main COGIC where their last days of worship were spent. Josie was an inspiration both in speech and song. Many accredit her for priceless lessons in practical wisdom, be it a biscuit recipe to maintain a happy home, or a stern sectional rehearsal at choir practice to get everyone in pitch. She is known, to those blessed with her memory, in many different capacities. Sister, First Lady, mother, aunt, directress, recording artist, teacher, beautician, seamstress, and fashionista are just a few of the many facets that will forever embody the spirit of the one we lay to rest today. The beauty of Josie shared with us on this side, pales in comparison to the new Josie joined with her savior, Jesus Christ on the other side. She was called home Saturday morning on November 24, 2012, and is preceded in death by: Her father and mother, James & Mary McBride; husband, Bishop William N. Godfrey; sisters Fay Lee Jones, Doris McBride, Mary Ann Lewis & Estella Antoine; brothers James C. McBride, Cornelius McBride, Letlo C. McBride & Daniel E. McBride. Left to cherish her memory: Her sisters, Irene Harris (Richmond, CA) & Dora Robinson (Liberty, TX); brother, Loyce (Jewel) McBride (Liberty, TX), and an extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, great great nieces/nephews, and countless friends.
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