St George Utah – "No day shall erase you from the memory of time." - Virgil

Jean Berniece Paxton Godfrey was born in the small hamlet of Duchesne, Utah in humble circumstances to Jean Hopkins Watts and Winford A. Paxton on February 8, 1928. She departed mortality almost in an instant on October 5, 2023. Three years after her birth the family moved back to the homeland of their forefathers, Fillmore, Utah. It was there she would wander the sweet sage of open range, swim in the warm springs, and create friends for a lifetime. As the fourth and last child following her sisters, Merlene, Leah, and Beth, she would develop insights into the hearts and minds of mankind. Her father was an educator, the superintendent of schools for Millard County. As such, under wise tutelage, young Berniece became a lifelong learner and reader.

Upon graduation from Millard High School, she attended the Utah Agricultural College in Logan Utah and there she met the man of her dreams, William R Godfrey (Bill).  They were married on March 19, 1947. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. After Bill's graduation, they moved to Murray, Utah. It would be here they would raise their three boys Ron, Randy and Russ. She was active in civic affairs as she carried the joy of raising her sons. As a young mother, she in many ways grew up with her children.  Their friends were her friends. Reaching into the hearts of young people became her modus operandi. She could whistle louder than any other mother in town as the clarion call to come home for supper.

The very morning of her death, she was reading a book. Her eloquence with grammar personified her as she demanded of her sons that they should speak the Queen's English. She grew into a mix of gentle kindness and profound outspoken honesty.  One never had to guess what she was thinking. Wisdom and frankness resonated in all of her relationships. She had a bit of Irish in her bones with flair and pizazz. She most surely kissed the Blarney Stone with her good tales and conversant nature.

Berniece taught many young women throughout her life and rescued young men on the verge of dire consequences. She was a giver not a taker. She stood for fair play and defended the weak. She loved a good water fight, a fun sleigh ride, and traveling. She and her dear sweet Connie Hanson traveled widely after Bill's death in 1993. Her service on many charitable foundations brought about hope to others. She remained ever open to donating to worthy causes. During her lifetime of service, she served on many charitable boards.

She was forever proud of her Millard County heritage and remained a loyal Aggie through her many years. Her work with President Faust and President Kimball at an orphanage in Israel of orphaned Palestinian boys was a point of deep satisfaction. She and Bill gave to countless charities in the course of their devotion to others. It was said of her, "She is the most Christlike of people without pretentiousness." She loved God as her devotion to others was proof of it. Blessings showered upon her through her journeys as she searched for ways to help.

Berniece loved her children and grandchildren with devotion for each. Her strong will and determination shall stand as a pillar for future generations. Rosa Parks once said, "Knowing what must be done does away with fear." That was Berniece, fearless and feisty. She would not ever quit and never surrendered.

She was preceded in death by her parents Winford and Jean Paxton, and by her sisters, Merlene Callister, Leah Black and Beth Hanson. She is survived by her three sons, Ron (Marie) Godfrey, Randy (Cathy) Godfrey and Russ Godfrey and her loving adopted daughter Connie Hanson as well as 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jubilee Home in St George, Utah at Give Now to Support St. George Regional Hospital - Intermountain Foundation (convio.net)

or mail to Intermountain Foundation, St. George Regional Hospital, 1380 East Medical Center Drive, St. George, UT 84790.

A short Graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S Vine St, Murray, UT.