Mary Frances Stripling Godwin died Monday, June 2, 2025 under hospice care in Ocala, Fla. at age 91.
Mary Frances was a woman of Christian virtues who imparted valuable life lessons of unconditional love, kindness and compassion. She brought joy and happiness to those around her. Mary Frances was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star Osceola Ch. 431, a member of Irwinville Baptist Church, and attendee at Grace Baptist Church in Mystic, Ga. She was often a featured soloist in the church choir and was a member of the Bernhardt Singers group where she used her gift as a blessing on many joyful occasions, and as a source of comfort during times of sorrow.
Born October 31, 1933, in Berrien County Ga., Mary Frances was the daughter of Charlie Clowers Hancock and Eula Mae Rutherford Hancock of Irwinville, both deceased. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Loyd J. Stripling, second husband Carroll W. Godwin, grandson James D. Johnson, and brothers Leroy and J.B. Hancock. She is survived by her sisters Shirley Sumner and Margaret Albritton of Tifton, Ga., daughters Linda (JJ) Clark of Ocala, Fla., Debbie (John) Rogers of Lake View, Ala., Cindy McGee of Cumming, Ga., son Keith (Janade) Stripling of Rebecca, Ga., nine grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in the Paulk Funeral Home chapel in Ocilla, Ga. Burial will immediately follow in the Irwinville Cemetery on Big Creek Road. Pastor Larry Daughtry will officiate. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Austin Johnson standing in for James Johnson, Adam Rogers, Dallas Rogers, Mikey Rogers, Mark McGee and Steven McGee, with alternates J.J. Clark, John Rogers, and Shawn Kelly.