Karen Smith Godfrey

Karen Ruth Smith Godfrey came into this world on September 21, 1955, as the second of three daughters of David and Margie Smith in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. She became a Christian and was baptized when she was 8 years old. Her faith guided her for 68 years here on Earth and her 40 years with Parkinson’s disease.

Karen lived her life with a servant’s heart. She married a kind, caring, and loving husband, Kenneth “Ken” Alan Godfrey, and together they provided a nurturing and loving home for their two children, Dana Godfrey Dunn and Neil Godfrey. Ken and Karen raised their family in Vicksburg, MS. Karen loved her son-in-law, James Dunn, as her own son. The births and lives of her four grandsons Connor Alan Wells, Tanner Owen Wells, Henry Pierce Wells, and Jackson David Wells, were a great joy to her.

Karen loved to travel with her family on numerous family vacations to Canada, Niagara Falls, Destin, the Smokey Mountains, the Gulf Coast, San Francisco, and Hong Kong. Karen received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Mississippi State where she was a proud bulldog. Karen taught in the Jackson Public School system after graduating from college. After moving to Vicksburg, Karen worked for Duravent, Merchant’s Bank, and taught at the Hinds Community College Vicksburg campus.

Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1986. She was determined to live her life full of spirit despite the diagnosis. Her friends and family from throughout her life allowed her to continue a full and adventurous life. In her journey with Parkinson’s disease she had three deep brain stimulator surgeries performed by Emory University. These surgeries allowed her to continue her life serving others.

Karen served her beloved Savior at First Baptist Church in Vicksburg, MS. There she was active in Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), adult bible study, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School. Karen loved to serve and care for her friends. These special friends loved and cared for Karen as her illness progressed. The faithfulness of Karen will continue to bless and guide her family for generations.

Karen is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ken Godfrey, her children Dana (James) Godfrey Dunn and Neil Godfrey, her grandchildren Connor, Tanner, Henry and Jackson Wells, her sisters Kathy (David) Boteler and Linda A. Smith, her brothers-in-law Frank Godfrey, Randy (Jill) Godfrey, and David (Kathy) Boteler,

Karen is preceded in death by her father, David Lamar Smith and mother, Margie Marie Jackson Smith.

The family would like to thank Emory University, Dr. Ruth Fredericks and her staff, Cooperwood Senior Living, Clinton Healthcare, Visiting Angels, and Arden Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion that they have shown Karen.

A Celebration of Life service will be at a later date at Karen’s childhood church, Calvary Baptist Church, 1300 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to First Baptist Church – Vicksburg – www.fbcvicksburg.org - or the Parkinson’s Foundation – www.parkinson.org.