Burnis Pearl Godwin

Burnis Pearl Oswald Godwin 8/23/1927 - 11/22/2021 Burnis Pearl Oswald Godwin, age 94, went to be with her Savior on November 22, 2021. She was born in Frisco City, Alabama, on August 23, 1927, to C. Bonnie Oswald and Sally Mae Bodiford Oswald. Burnis was the second of nine children. Her family moved to Gonzalez, Florida, when she was 10 years old. She graduated from J.M. Tate High School. Burnis worked in retail at Newberry's in downtown Pensacola on weekends and holidays during her senior year in high school. After graduation, she was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Company, where she prepared schedules for the repairmen. Soon she met the love of her life, Julian W. Godwin, and they were married for 66 years, until his death in 2015. Burnis and Julian welcomed one son, Stephen W. Godwin, in 1953. Burnis was a happy homemaker for the remainder of her life, sometimes working at the Polls and a temporary holiday job at Gayfers Department Store. Burnis accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 15 at Gonzalez Baptist Church. She and Julian were active members of Granada Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School. For the last 47 years she was an active member of Olive Baptist Church. Burnis had a very strong faith. One of her favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NASV) Burnis loved her Sunday School Class, and enjoyed participating in many of their outreach ministries. She loved spending time with family, especially her only grandchild, Leslie Ann. Burnis enjoyed traveling with family, and going to the mountains to see the fall colors. She was blessed with wonderful neighbors and lifelong friends. She was especially close to Alvin and Mary Palmer, Lynda Crutcher, John and Eleanor Golson, and Louise Davis. Burnis was preceded in death by her parents, C. Bonnie and Sally Mae Oswald, her husband, Julian W. Godwin, one brother, Bob Oswald, two sisters, Annie Mae "Sue" Gimbel and Geraldine Fillingim-Smith. She is survived by her son Stephen W. Godwin (Shirley), granddaughter Leslie Ann Middleton (Broox), great-granddaughters, Melody Ann and Molly Ann Middleton, three sisters, Frances Crawford, Linda Viita and Helen Jordan, two brothers, Earl Oswald and Roland Oswald (Terry), two sister-in laws Joyce Fore and Betty Ann Dennis (Donald), one brother-in-law, Roy Godwin (Marvette), as well as many loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the staff of West Florida Hosptial, Olive Branch Rehabilitation Center, and The Blake Memory Care Unit, for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gonzalez Baptist Church, 1590 Pauline Street, Cantonment FL 32533, in memory of Burnis Godwin.

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Burnis Pearl Godwin

August 23, 1927 - November 22, 2021