September 11, 2026, 82, – Nell William Smith Godfrey, 82, passed away peacefully at Transition Lifecare in Raleigh on Friday, September 11, 2026. Born in Beaufort County, NC, on June 23, 1944, she was the daughter of the late William Albert Smith and Velma Lee Clark Smith.
Nell was born and raised on a working farm, one of eight children and the second oldest daughter in the family. Growing up on a farm, she learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and helping others, and carried those qualities throughout her life. She was, in every sense, salt of the earth: the kind of person you could always count on. She simply showed up, rolled up her sleeves, and helped.
Nell is survived by her high school sweetheart, her loving husband of more than 60 years, James Ephraim Godfrey; daughters Leigh Allison Godfrey (David R. White, Jr.) and Karen Lynn Nielsen; grandchildren Camille Godfrey Webber (Bora Tunca), James Emlyn Parker Webber (Lily Schultz), Jackson Davis Hartley, Hudson Edward Hartley, Emersyn Grace Hartley, Jennifer Jill Ferich (Steve Ferich), and Matthew David White (Penny White); great-grandchildren Cora Matthew Webber, Sophie Ann Ferich, Atlas Webber Tunca, Dawn Elizabeth Ferich, and Brodie Schultz Webber; sister Sylvia Jane Smith Ingalls (Grady Lee Ingalls); and son-in-law, Eddie Glenn Hartley. Nell is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children, as well as a large extended family, all of whom she loved dearly.
In addition to her parents, Nell was preceded in death by siblings Earsel Gray Smith Holland, Gene Autrey Smith, Virgil Lee Smith, John Enoch Smith, Debra Smith Cartwright, and Larry Gray Smith.
Nell worked for Bridgestone for 31 years, where she built lasting friendships and was known for her steady leadership, dependability, dedication, intelligence, and pride in doing things well. She was someone others could rely on, bringing a calm and steady presence to her work and earning the respect of the people around her.
Nell was an intelligent woman and a lifelong learner. She had a natural curiosity about how things worked, and when she wanted to know something, she was going to figure it out for herself! She took classes in auto maintenance so she could understand how to properly care for her cars, including her beloved red Miata. She studied massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, and used those skills to care for her friends and family. She also studied personal finance, and was a talented bargain hunter, known for finding treasures for her loved ones at Sam’s, consignment stores, and garage sales. Nell was also a talented artist, who enjoyed making porcelain dolls and lovingly hand-painting each one, before gifting to friends and family.
Nell really expressed her love and care through food. She was famous for big southern breakfasts, her homemade fudge, and banana pudding. If she wasn’t hosting at home, she was bringing food to friends and family wherever they were, frequently driving frozen Nahunta sausage up and down the East Coast.
She especially loved gathering family and friends at Emerald Isle. The beach was a place where she could bring people together, welcome them into her home, fill the table with food, and enjoy long conversations and plenty of laughter. Some of the happiest memories were made simply by being together there.
Nell adored children, and was an active, engaged parent and grandparent. She could be found teaching the neighborhood kids how to do a perfect cartwheel, driving her grandchildren to school and activities, and spending time with children of friends and neighbors. She delighted in being a grandmother and took genuine interest in each of their lives. She was always there to help, encourage, feed, give advice, or simply spend time with them.
Those who knew Nell best got to witness her dry, unexpected sense of humor. Among her grandchildren especially, getting her to break into her joyous, childlike laughter was a constant goal and great accomplishment.
Nell will be remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude by her extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, NC. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Paul Funeral Home in Washington, NC, prior to the graveside service. A graveside service will follow at 2:15 p.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC. Following the service, friends and family are invited for food and fellowship at 1341 Carrow Road, Chocowinity, NC.
Arrangements are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Paul Funeral Home.
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