To write her life, to honor her with words is an impossible task, an exercise in complete futility. She was so much more than we could ever
convey here. And yet, remarkably, she lived a quiet life. Sister Godwin profoundly affected every life she touched. This is no exaggeration.
She lived the example of Christ every single day of her 97 years. To her beloved LC, she was patient and humble; to her adoring children, she was loving and strong; to her daughter-in-law and sons-in-law, she was encouraging and generous; to her grandchildren, she was nearly perfect. This is not a trait she ascribed to be: she merely set out to follow Jesus. But every member of every congregation she helped pastor for 57 years will surely acknowledge her compassion, her genuineness, her helpfulness, her guidance, and above all, her faithfulness.
Sister Godwin’s days were filled with joyful service for others. Whether that be her own family, her church congregation, or her community at large, she worked to show the love of Christ daily. Sister Godwin loved to sew and used her creativity in so many ways, from clothing neighbors to creating costumes for the Christmas programs at church. She loved to cook and was regularly praised for her delicious contributions to the church potluck. She loved to tell stories, and her family would often gather round as she recanted with great detail tales from her past. She loved to read, specifically her Bible, as it served as the foundation of her life. But more than all of these, Sister Godwin loved to pray – to talk to God in worship, adoration, pleading, and sorrow. Her direct communication with her Savior was a lifeline for so many who knew and loved her.
Nyla is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Grace Williams; her siblings, Elihue Williams, Doris Ann McCaslin, Dwayne Williams, and Cherrye Rice; her son-in-law, John McClung; her grandson, Chris Carter; and her husband of 65 years, LC.
Nyla is survived by her sister, Karen Orr; her three children, Naomi (Mark) Wilhoite, Charlie (Martha) Godwin, and Ruth McClung; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad) Coffman, Leah (Jeffrey) Antle, Casta (OJ) Lancaster, Rachel (Casey) Kuffner, and Chris (Debra) Godwin; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
As her family gathered this year for Christmas, she was asked to bless the food, as always. Even in these final days, every person in the room could hear the truth and power in her voice. What a beautiful memory. What an incredible legacy.
Family and friends are invited to reminisce and honor the life of Sister Godwin at Visitation on Thursday, January 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Byrn Funeral Home, 1020 Paris Rd, Mayfield, Kentucky and a Funeral Service on Friday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Byrn Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Maplewood Cemetery, 408 North 6th Street, Mayfield, Kentucky. To honor Sister Godwin’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Assembly of God Missions, Godwin Memorial/Laos, 111 Sutton Lane, Mayfield, KY 42066