Mrs. Mildred Mae Godwin

Mildred Mae Godwin graced this life on October 21, 1928 to the blessed union of George Roy and Annie Mae Johnston. Mildred accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior in her youth and found Him to be her best friend as an adult. Mildred was educated in Birmingham, Alabama. She excelled in her studies at Parker High School. Mildred furthered her education at Miles College with an emphasis in Home Economics and English. Mildred was united in holy matrimony to Paul Godwin on March 10, 1949. She began her new life as a wife, leaving Birmingham, Alabama and moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To this blessed union God gave, nine precious children. Mildred brought her southern hospitality to Milwaukee. It began long before she left home. Mildred lost her mother at the tender age of five. When her father married Rosemary McDaniel (Momma Rose), she became a mother to Mildred. Momma Rose taught Mildred the refinements of culinary art, with the hospitality finesse of Southern charm. Momma Rose was an important influential person in Mildred's life. She was her mom, friend and mentor, She taught her so much. Mildred came into her marriage prepared to be a goad and capable wife. There is much to be said of what she learned to. cook. Her family was grateful for the wonderful foods Mildred prepared for them and others. Like her biscuits and dinner rolls made from scratch. The neighborhood children knew when "Miss Mildred" baked and she always welcomed them in, they always left with a grin . Mildred loved baking especially deserts. This is, when her artistry was at its finest. She delighted in baking all butter pound cakes, the crusty rims so delicious. Her German Chocolate cake, every bite was a little piece of heaven. Sunday dinner was important to Mildred, it brought the family together. She'd prepare bake chicken seasoned just right, with glistening collard greens, Mac or mash. The corn bread baked in a black heavy iron skillet. The Crispy edges with every slice promised to sponge up the juices right. . Mildred was an avid gardener. Naturally so, she loved to nurture and see things grow. Whatever she harvested she always shared. Mildred loved the enjoyment her food gave to others it brought people together. To Mildred cooking wasn't work but a labor of love. Mildred was active in her community, Participated in the civil rights issues of the day, held leaderships with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, was a PTA member, and served in several community projects and committees throughout her years. Mildred valued and respected her neighbors, It was natural for her to lend a helping hand. The children gravitated to Mildred's house. Mildred served in many capacities in the church. She served as a Church Mother, intercessor, she loved working with the Shut in and hospital visit auxiliaries. Her greatest service was in loving people. She shared the love she knew about the Lord with others, she gave continually, an encourager at heart. She loved to pray for people and it was not uncommon for her to pray for someone in the grocery store, mall or over the phone in the middle of the night. Mildred loved everything about church! Yet what she loved most was being in the presence of God and God's people. Mildred loved her grandchildren with such affection. She had pet names for them like, Little Man, Sugar Plum, or Lil Chickens. She had such love for her children and the bond they shared has been made stronger for it now stretches to heaven. Mildred will always be remembered for her devotion to her faith, family, and generosity towards others. Her presence will be missed but remembered by all who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory: Paul Godwin Sr.; three sons, Paul Jr. (Terry), Donald Phillip, Milwaukee, WI.; Gerard Wendale, Minneapolis, MN; four daughters, Debbie Ann, Godwin Donna Marie (Randy) Allison, Gina Rose (Steve) Malone Milwaukee, WI, Peggy (Chris) Irving, Chicago, IL; her precious grandchildren, Pauline, Chunta, Sharon, Tashana, Larry Jr., Sarah, Jane, Josue, Gadiel, Mayanin, Sarai, Matthew, Stephanie, Christopher, Jason, Brittany, Richard, Miranda, Myles, Ryan, Kynnedi, twenty-four great grandchildren; Special acknowledgement to Leon Williams for his faithfulness to his "other" mother. Also to cherish her memory, her beloved Rosemary McDaniels Johnston (Momma Rose), her beloved brothers and sisters who affectionately called her "Sister", Herman Kenneth (Betty) New Orleans LA, Nathaniel (Diane) San Francisco, CA, McDaniel Birmingham, AL; Gladys (Clarence) McGhee, Rosemary Hailey of Brimingham, AL; sister-in-laws, Clariece Johnston of Birmingham, AL and Phillippa Johnston of Baltimore, MD.

Mrs. Mildred Mae Godwin

October 21, 1928 - March 2, 2013