Opal Elrod Godwin was born February 10, 1927 in Greenville, SC, daughter of Bonnie and Joe Elrod. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Godwin. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Sherry Reid (David), Leasa Greer and her son Mike Greer (Jane). She is also survived by 3 granddaughters, Melody Mullican (Andy), Lauren Greer and Carson Greer. She was blessed with 2 great grandchildren, Reid Mullican and Mariella Bumgardner.
She is survived by her step-son, John Godwin. Opal is also survived by her very Special Beloved Friend, Robert Emmett of Swords, Ireland.
In her 20’s she graduated from Furman University with a BA in music. She was a member of Mensa. In her mid 40’s, she went back to college where she received a full scholarship based on her undergraduate work at Furman. Her post graduate work was done at the University of Georgia, where she received a Master of Clinical Social Work.
Opal began her professional career as a clinician at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, upon its opening. There she spearheaded the Patients Advocacy Program which protected the civil rights of patients. She worked there for 13 years before moving her employment to The Bradley Center, where Opal worked as the Team Administrator for the Child, Adolescent, and Family Outpatient Clinic for 7 years. Following this position, she began her own private practice and became a certified Play Therapist. Seeing a need in the community, Opal began a Play Therapy course at Columbus State University and taught there for 20 years.
Opal retired in her mid 80’s and enjoyed spending her time traveling, especially to Ireland, attending plays and concerts, reading, gardening, and listening to music classical to jazz.
The Family would like all to know that we are indebted to the Firefighters of the Columbus Consolidated Government, Engine numbers 9, 2, 6, Squad 6, Ladder 6, Battalion 3, Medic 2, and Car 66. We thank them for their valiant efforts to save our Mother and their many kind words and prayers with our family.
Please join us Wednesday April 4 at 3:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus located at 8827 Heiferhorn Way Columbus, GA 31904.
Following the Memorial, the Family will welcome visitors.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus 8827 Heiferhorn Way Columbus, GA 31904 or Columbus State University School of Music.
