Ruby Jean Godwin

Ruby Jean Godwin was born August 27, 1944 to parents, Earlye and Rubye Farrell in Mt. Pleasant, TN. Ruby gained her wings on Monday May 26, 2025 at her home in Bolingbrook, IL. Ruby was the youngest of seven children. She moved to Chicago from Tennessee at an early age. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Godwin; parents, Earlye and Rubye Farrell; sisters, Louise Strong, Helen Baker and Annie Farrell; brothers, Harry Farrell and Robert Farrell.  

Ruby received her education in Chicago Public School system. She was united in holy matrimony to Willard Godwin on June 13, 1962. To this union three children were born, Lisa, Jacquelyn and Jason.  

Ruby began her working career at Bankers Life and Casualties. She was a manager at CNA Insurance where she retired in 1998. She started a career in education at Indian Prairie School District from 1999 to 2006. She confessed her love for Christ at an early age. Ruby joined Victory Cathedral Worship Center in 2005, under the supervision of Pastor Smokie Norful. While attending Victory Cathedral Worship Center, she joined the choir and served as an usher. Ruby enjoyed singing in the choir, yet the joy of her life was when she was singing at the piano while her husband, Willard played. A lasting memory is hearing Ruby sing “Dear God”, arranged by her pastor, Smokie Norful. 

Ruby enjoyed spending time with family, watching the Bears, Bulls, and cooking.  She was always very instrumental in getting the family together for reunions. She loved her grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memories; children, Lisa (Elbert) Johnson Jr, Jackie (Dexter) Cowan and Jason Godwin Sr., all living in the Chicago Suburbs. Her only surviving sister, Geraldine Jones who resides in North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Ruby Farrell, Olivia Farrell of Illinois, Joyce Godwin (John Kelly) and Ida (Terrance) Greenfield; brothers-in-law, Jerry Godwin, Jimmy (Barbara) Godwin, Prentiss Jr. (Melva) Godwin, grandchildren- Markez, Tameka, Chessidy, Xavier, Jasmine, Kavonte, Jason Jr.; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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