Peggy met the love of her life, Sam, when he moved to Mansfield from Abbott in the 7th grade. Their friendship developed into 69 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, spoiled 7 grandchildren, and really spoiled 21 great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Mansfield High School, Class of 1951, Peggy went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from Arkansas Tech University, in Russellville, in 1971, and her Master’s Degree in Reading Education, from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, some years later. She taught at Mansfield Elementary School for 27 years.

An athlete, Peggy played and coached girls’ softball in a league at Waldron, Arkansas, as well as, played in softball tournaments at Huntington, Arkansas. She gave up softball herself, when her four children started playing ball.

Peggy and her late husband, Sam, were faithful followers and contributors to all sports programs at Mansfield High School and summer softball teams. They were very involved supporters as they cheered along their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her students, and friends. They enjoyed taking the teams out to eat after their ballgames to celebrate another win! Everyone lovingly referred to them as “Papa Sam” and “Gran Gran.”

Later on, Papa Sam and Gran Gran continued their tradition of following their grands and great-grands as they competed in several sports at one time. There was nothing unusual about seeing them all wrapped up at an outdoor sporting event, only later to see them inside a warm gym watching another sport.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Jones Godwin, her parents, Wayne and Oma (Barkley) Gardenhire, her brother, Ronnie Gardenhire, grandson, Aaron Bradley Godwin, and sister-in-law, Pat Gardenhire.

She is survived by her four children; Chris Godwin, Susan and Bruce Pyles, Brooks and Connie Godwin, and Stuart and Terry Godwin.

Grandchildren; Bridget Freeman and husband, Michael, Brittany Stubblefield and husband, Joshua, Alisha Burton and husband, Joshua, Levi Godwin and wife, Danielle, Ryan Godwin and wife, Britney, Aaron Godwin, and Blake Godwin and wife, Katie.

Great-grandchildren; Madeline Freeman, Makenzie Freeman, Michaelyn Freeman, Deacon Stubblefield, Denton Stubblefield, Delsey Stubblefield, Delta Stubblefield, Declan Stubblefield, Delise Stubblefield, Clara Burton, Emeline Burton, Charlotte Burton, Adeline Godwin, Nora Godwin, Sawyer Godwin, Otillia Godwin, Minette Godwin, Rhue Godwin, Miles Godwin, Ryker Godwin, and Cohen Godwin.

Funeral service for Peggy Godwin will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Mansfield First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas, The family will visit with friends from 9:00 am until service time at the church. Officiating the funeral service are Bro. Gary Martin and Bro. Matthew Smithson.

Pallbearers: Levi Godwin, Ryan Godwin, Blake Godwin, Joshua Burton, Michael Freeman, Joshua Stubblefield.

Honorary Pallbearer, Aaron Godwin.

Private interment will be at Pleasant Grove #2 cemetery in Abbott, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield First Baptist Church in memory of Peggy Godwin, Lottie Moon Missions, or the Gideons International Bible program.

Online condolences may be sent at www.martinfuneralhomes.com

Sam and Peggy Godwin have been married 66 years. Together they have four children, seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grand children. Throughout the years, and any sport imaginable, you could always find Sam and Peggy faithfully cheering each of them on. Not just in the world of sports, but also in life. This patriarch and matriarch are the stronghold of their family.

The couple live near their home church, Mansfield First Baptist. They have been devoted members, serving in multiple capacities throughout the years.

The Godwins quietly serve, without a call to recognition or favor. They see needs of their brothers, sisters and community members and respond, sharing and demonstrating the love of Christ.

Sam and Peggy are shining examples for each of us, strong in faith, dedicated to family and community. Most importantly, they show their love through action and deed.

It is with great honor to feature the Godwins in this month’s Hometown Highlight. If you know of an ordinary citizen doing extraordinary things, we want to feature them! Email us your nomination!