Leah "Joan" Godsey

1937 - 2025

Leah "Joan" Godsey

May 2, 1937 - November 1, 2025

Leah "Joan" Godsey, 88, of Palmyra, VA died on Nov 1, 2025 at her home. She was born on May 2, 1937 in Warrenton, VA to Keith Foster Godsey of Cumberland, VA, and Leah Placida Arnold of Baltimore Maryland. She is preceded in death by all her siblings: Keith Foster Godsey, Jr., Vernon Edward "Arnold" Godsey, John "Jack" Andrew Godsey, Richard "Dick" Lee Godsey, Mary Lee Godsey (McGinley), Katherine "Kitt" Winn Godsey (O'Brien), and Margery "Margie" Ann Godsey (Grubb). Although she never married and had no children, she was incredibly close to her brothers and sisters, and is survived by 29 still living nieces and nephews – all of whom remember and love her dearly.

Joan was the youngest, and the spunkiest, of her seven siblings. She was beloved by all her siblings – and daddy's girl – but spoiled terribly (according to her, perhaps, slightly jealous older sister, Margie). Joan could do no wrong – Joan was the baby. A tomboy as a girl, she loved sports and outdoor activities, and did well in school – though she did not like school at all. She loved and played golf into her late seventies.

She lived in Falls Church, VA for her adult life, working for the Department of the Treasury as a Printing Specialist, responsible for issuing savings bonds, until May 2, 1992 (her 55th birthday). The very next day, she packed up and moved down to Palmyra.

Her life was filled with her Catholic faith and with her family. She was a constant and warm presence at Christmases, Thanksgivings, Birthdays, Weddings, Funerals, and vacations. She loved her family with all her heart - and her many small dogs too. In return, she was incredibly loved by her whole big sprawling family, and she will be missed.

In her later years, her memory started going, but with care and a fantastic caregiver coming in 5 times a week, she was able to stay at home, independent and happy. After a recent fall and with complications of heart failure – and perhaps from complications of missing her dear parents and siblings – she died, as she has lived, on her own terms at her beloved home at Lake Monticello.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to give a donation in her name to the Alzheimer's Association. On Nov 12, there will be a visitation, 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass, 11 a.m., at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She will be interred next to her parents at Center Presbyterian Church, Cumberland, VA. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.