Niki Jean Godwin passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 3rd at Novant Hospital in Charlotte. She was surrounded by family members at the time of her passing. She is survived by her husband, Gerry T. Godwin, his sons Brandon and Greyson Godwin and daughter, Lauren Arthur, and Grandson Liam Godwin of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her parents James C. Wilson, Jr. and Dorothy Jean Wilson of Charlotte, her sister, Christa Wilson of Indian Land, SC, brother, James C. Wilson, III of Greensboro, NC and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a grandniece.
Niki was born on August 25, 1972 in Burlington, Vermont. She is a 1990 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School. Upon graduation, Niki enlisted in the United States Army and was given the occupation of Signal Intelligence Analyst. While in the Army, she served in many places in the United States and Europe. After serving four years on active duty, she returned to Charlotte and graduated from the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. While in college, she majored in English and minored in French, which allowed her to go to France and teach English in a French school under the student exchange program. After returning from France, she returned to UNCC and obtained her Master’s Degree in English Literature where she subsequently taught.
Niki never stopped learning, even after receiving her Master’s Degree she returned to Central Piedmont Community College where she earned a certificate in Landscape Design. She was a multi-talented painter, sculptor and writer. She developed her interests in art while attending South Mecklenburg High School. Some of her paintings and sculptures have been displayed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. She also restored antique furniture and used her talents in opening a furniture and design store (THE LOOKING GLASS).
Niki was a lover of the outdoors and a lover of animals. She loved her dog, Niles and treated him as if he were a child. Pampering and spoiling him.
She was employed by The Fire House Casual Living Store as a design consultant. She loved her job, loved her husband and she loved life. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew her.
Services will be held on Thursday, January 10th at 11:30 am and officiated by Reverend Chip Elder at Sharon Memorial Park located at 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Following services, the family invites you to Christ Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 to join Niki’s family as we celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA.
