Mary Wolfe Godwin

Mary Wolfe Godwin, age 79, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023. She was born in Alva, Oklahoma on August 9, 1944. Mary graduated from Stillwater High School in 1962, received a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University in 1966, and Masters of Arts from The Ohio State University in 1972. Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University she married the love of her life, Dr. Paul M. Godwin, and together they had three children whom they loved dearly.

Mary had a long career in education. First as a middle school history teacher and guidance counselor, then later as a computer teacher. She worked for many years in the Department of Psychology at Belmont University, where she also coordinated Elderhostel/Road Scholar. Upon retirement she continued her dedication to Belmont and the arts in support of Tennessee Arts Academy.

Mary was an active member of Brentwood United Methodist Church, where she was involved in the Encounter class, prayer shawl knitting group, Hand Bells and Chancel Choir. Prior to that she was an active member of Crievewood United Methodist Church where she was also involved in Hand Bells, Chancel Choir, children and youth ministries, and the Wesley Class. In addition to her church commitments, Mary was a Girl Scout troop leader for over a decade and uniform Mom for the John Overton High School Band for all three of her children. Mary was passionately dedicated to supporting children and youth in arts and education. Mary had a passion for learning, teaching, reading and dedicating herself to causes that her family and friends supported.

Following in the footsteps of her father, she was a true lover of animals, instilling that in her children as well. Mary was an avid football fan and could be found cheering for Ohio State, Oklahoma State, and the Tennessee Titans anytime they were playing, attending alumni events and going to games often. She loved college basketball, too, with time spent cheering for Belmont long before they would go dancing in the tournament along with cheering for both her OSU Alma Maters.

She was loved immensely by so many. She was a mentor and parental figure to multitudes of her children's friends and to the kids she taught. She will be greatly missed but we know her impact will stand the test of time. In lieu of flowers we would ask that you donate to the following: your local high school marching band, The Girl Scouts, Belmont University general scholarship fund, or any philanthropy or education institution you support which helps with promoting arts, education, and/or women in leadership.

Mary is survived by her Daughter, Kathy Godwin (Kris Wright); Daughter, Kim Godwin (Will Labbe); Son, Jeremy Godwin (Penni); Grandchildren, Lennon Godwin and Wren Wright-Godwin; Cousins, Jerry Alward, Jud Alward, Jeff Alward, Jan (Alward) Ellsworth, Jim Schulz and Bob Schulz.

She is preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Paul; Parents, James “Wiley” and Virginia “Jack” Wolfe.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204. The family will receive family and friends on Monday November 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204.

The Celebration of Life will be Live Stream at this link:

https://youtube.com/live/6LuKZ8EnQyc?feature=share

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Godwin family.