Annette Lee Godfrey

Annette Lee Godfrey, 85, of Conway, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on New Year's Day 1940 in Lillington, North Carolina to Ronnie and Mallie Lee. Annette grew up on a farm with eight sisters, Iris, Grace, Maxine, Shirley, Laverne, Deloris, Caroyln and Brenda, and her brother Terry. She was a farmer’s daughter and carried the values of faith, perseverance, and family throughout her life.

Annette met the love of her life, Alvin Godfrey, on a blind double date when she was fifteen. They married in 1958 and built a beautiful life together. Her son Gary Alvin was born to them in 1959 while they lived in North Carolina. After they moved to Falls Church, Virginia their son Mitchell Todd was born in 1967. They then bought a house on Mendota Ave in Falls Church, where they spent the rest of their working years raising their family.

Annette was a graduate of the Sanford Business School and worked as a legal secretary for many years before joining the U.S. State Department, where she finished her career before retiring in 1989. She and Alvin moved to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, where they spent many happy years together walking on the powdery white sands and listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Annette shared her passion for country music by founding her own record label, Southern Records, in 1967, recording two songs: "I'll Never Be Happy Again" and "What a Price to Pay." She continued performing throughout the Washington, D.C. area in the late 1960s, touching many hearts with her beautiful voice. Her home town’s newspaper called her “the girl with a cry in her voice”. Playing her Gibson guitar and singing were a gift she shared with her friends and family throughout her life.

Annette was a devoted christian who held to her faith throughout her life until the lord called her home on Friday April 25th.

Annette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin, and by many of her dear sisters; Iris, Grace, Maxine, Shirley, Laverne, Deloris, and Caroyln.

She is survived by her loving sons, Gary (Sue) Godfrey and Todd (Becky) Godfrey; her cherished grandchildren, Vali, Jesse, Nathan, Sarah, Emily, and Ryan; several great-grandchildren; her sister Brenda; and her brother Terry, along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.

Annette's legacy of love, strength, and faith will live on through all who knew and loved her.

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