Hazel Godfrey
Hazel Marie Palmer Godfrey, 88, of Beaumont, died Saturday, December 15, 2018. She was born December 1, 1930, in San Antonio, to Freda Margaret Neff Palmer and Clarence Edwin Palmer.
Hazel graduated in 1948 from Ray High School in Corpus Christi. She attended Del Mar Junior College in Corpus Christi and Texas A & I in Kingsville. She worked as a Secretary for Humble Oil and Refining in Kingsville and Magnolia Petroleum Company and Texas Company in Corpus Christi.
In 1969, she moved with her family from Corpus Christi to Nederland and built a successful rental car agency. Her career included working as the manager of MCTCU, Assistant Manager of the Airport Towers Motel, a phone counselor for 700 Club, operation blessing, and a teacher for Believers Outreach. She retired in the early 1980’s and became a professional volunteer and home-maker.
In 1976, she married Jerry William Godfrey on August 24th in Galveston, Texas.
She was an ordained minister and held a United States Merchant Mariners Document.
She was an avid volunteer. She served on numerous boards and was the member of many organizations including the YWCA, Beta Signa Phi, Port Arthur Christian Women’s Club. She taught Sunday School and served on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Council for many years.
Survivors include her husband of forty-two years, Jerry William Godfrey; children, John Michael Bruce, of Corpus Christi and Jan Marie Bruce Rugg and her husband, Thomas Rugg, Sr., of Beaumont; step-children, Jerry Daniel Godfrey and his wife, Kathy Godfrey, of South Pittsburg, Tennessee; Spencer Keith Godfrey, of Ringgold, Georgia; and Joseph Nicholas Godfrey and his wife, Danielle Godfrey, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; grandchildren, John Thomas Rugg, Laurel Marie Rugg, and Andrea Marie Rugg, all of Beaumont; Barbara Lane Bruce Ditch, of San Antonio; Tara Marie Godfrey and Chad Daniel Godfrey, of South Pittsburg, Tennessee; Stacey Glenett Godfrey Evans, of Smyrna, Georgia; Spencer Guy Godfrey, of Leads, Alabama; and Shannon Nicole Godfrey, Oliva Katheryn Godfrey, and Nicholas Colin Godfrey, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Shirley Palmer Marquette and her husband, Robert Marquette, of Austin and John Whit Palmer, of San Diego, California.
She is preceded in death by her parents; grandchild, Michael Frederick Rugg; and brother, Jimmy Ray Palmer.
She passed away surrounded by her family and a prayer service was held in her home.
Cremation arrangements for Mrs. Godfrey will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. At her request, the family will meet in the future to spread her ashes.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.
Comments
NL
My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you all seek God for comfort, peace, strength and support (2 Cor 1:3).
Tiffany Reynolds
Mrs. Hazel will always hold a special place in my heart. We had an instant bond when I met her. She was a firery lady and I loved that about her. She definitely will be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Buddy and Florence Schumann
Jan, Tom, JOHN, Jerry, and families. We lived next to Hazel and Jerry for over 10 years and became great friends with them. We had some great times over the years with them. That included watching her children grow up. Hazel was always smiling and upbeat; always,ready to give advice. She was very religious and lived her life fully as a christian. She joined a church in Port Arthur and enjoyed doing volunteer work for the church. When she got to heaven, I'm sure St. Peter said, "We reserved a spot for you, O good and faithful servant". She loved her family dearly.. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. God bless her family and give them peace. Amen Buddy and Florence
Jeff Branick
Prayers to Jan and all the family.
PAT A. RILEY
JAMN AND TOM MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THESE TIME HAZEL WAS REALLY A NIC PERSON TO ME I STILL REMEBER GOING TO HER HOUSE ABOUT AFTER HER AUNT DIED AND SHE MET ME A DOOR TO TELL ME THAT HER MOTHER WHO WAS IN GOOD HEALTH IN CORPUS CHRISTI HAD ALSO DIED THAT WAS ALOT TO HANDLE AT ONE TIME IN A PERSON LIFE SHE WAS SO GOOD TO HELP ME RENT CARS WHEN I DID NOT HAVE MUCH EQUIPMENT TO USE AGAIN SO VERY SORRY
Ralph Hatchel
So sorry for your loss.
Jan Marie Rugg
Thank you, Ralph. John Michael and I appreciate your thoughts.
Jan Marie Rugg
Yes, she appreciated you and your parents so much. My Great Aunt and Grandmother were identical twins. They came into the workd together and left the world together. It was a true blessing to have friends like you and your family take care of some of the details. Thank you for your memories. She cared a lot about you and had spoken of you recently. When looking through paperwork, I found a note in her handwriting saying she wanted you to take care of the arrangements. She always thought kindlynif you and wished you great success. She knew you would be and you proved her correct. Thank you, Pat.
Jan Marie Rugg
Thanks, Jeff. We appreciate your thoughts.
Jan Marie Rugg
Thank you. She always thought of you and Florence as family. She always had a smile. But a loud and firm voice when something needed to be taken care of. I miss her every day. She was a wonderful mom.
Jan Marie Rugg
Thank you, Tiffany. My mom really loved you. You always took care of her and made her feel special. I appreciate your thoughts and kindness.