Renee S. Godfrey

Obituary For Renee S. Godfrey

With heavy hearts yet an abundance of joyful memories, we celebrate the life of Renee S. Godfrey, who peacefully departed this world on June 4, 2025, on the Youngstown campus of Mercy Health Care. Born on October 17, 1952, to the union of Percy Lee Godfrey Sr. and Sylvia L Smith-Godfrey, Renee was a lifelong resident of Youngstown, OH.

Renee was a vibrant soul known for her loving spirit, strong sense of family, and unwavering commitment to truth. She was a proud alumna of Saint Mary’s All Girls High School in Buffalo NY. A cherished early childhood educator at Eagle's Christian Preschool, Renee inspired countless little ones with her nurturing heart. Renee dedicated her life to inspiring the young minds with love, patience, and wisdom. Her impact on the lives of her students and their families is a testament to her loving spirit and unwavering commitment to education.

Beyond the classroom, Renee relished family gatherings, crosswords, and music, and she had a special knack for hosting unforgettable fish fry events that brought everyone together. She exhibited a unique gift for keeping it real, providing constructive criticism to encourage growth and development, always with a sprinkle of love.

Renee was the beloved family matriarch, leaving behind her cherished daughters Moniche Godfrey, Corrine Godfrey, and Effieantta “Effie” Jenkins, sister Annette McKintosh, and brother Antonio Godfrey. She was also the proud grandmother of nine, including TaDajasia Green whom she reared and nurtured, and enjoyed the joy of thirteen great-grandchildren, each holding a special place in her heart. Renee is lovingly remembered by her best friend, Kimberly Martinez along with a score of family and friends.

Renee's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she found community while exercising her faith at Christian Fellowship Tabernacle, where her spirit touched many. Upon her decisive crossing of the celestial sands into eternity Renee was reunited with her parents and brother Percy L. Godfrey Jr., each who preceded her in death.

As we prepare to reflect on her remarkable journey, we invite all who knew and loved her to honor her legacy. Reflecting on Renee's life, we celebrate her outspoken nature, her ability to build and create rather than destroy, and her genuine goodness that touched so many.

Join us as we remember Renee S. Godfrey — a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend — who lived life vividly and embraced every moment with grace and joy. Renee’s journey will be honored on Saturday June 14, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, starting at 9:00 AM with a public viewing and Celebration of Life Service which will begin at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Lewis Macklin officiating.

After a parting committal ceremony, Renee will be laid to rest among the spacious meadows of Tod Homestead Cemetery. In this time of remembrance, let us gather to honor Renee's legacy—a life well-lived, a heart full of love, and a spirit that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Renee S. Godfrey elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.