Geraldine Godfrey

Obituary: Geraldine Helms Troutman Godfrey died Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Tucker Hospice House. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 25th at 1 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis with David Troutman and Rev. Tim McQueen officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. "Gerry" was born in Kannapolis on May 13, 1929 to Oscar and Ruby Price Helms. When she was a young girl, the family moved to a farm near China Grove. She graduated from Landis High School in 1947 and a year later she married a young man from the neighboring farm, Earl R. Troutman, to whom she was married until his death in 1969. The couple had one son, David. In 1982 she married Howard L. Godfrey and the couple was deeply devoted to each other for the next 32 years. In addition to being a wife and mother, Gerry had a varied career outside the home. She worked for many years as a timekeeper in Cannon Mills, did bookkeeping work, was a teacher's aide, and a bank secretary. For several years she sold World Book and quickly rose through the ranks to become the top salesperson in the Southeastern United States. Following her return to Cabarrus County, she sold radio advertising. While at WRKB she headed up the 75th anniversary celebration for the city of Kannapolis. After their marriage, Gerry and Howard started and operated a business doing custom blinds and window treatments known as "Window Fashions by Geri." With all these accomplishments, she was most proud of the opportunities she had to serve through her church. She was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church as long her health allowed. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and GA's, was WMU Director, and was instrumental in beginning a prayer ministry that grew to over 100 people united in prayer for needs of the church and surrounding community. In addition to her parents and first husband, Gerry was predeceased by two brothers, Curtis Helms and J.E. "Jake" Helms. She is survived by husband, Howard L. Godfrey, of the home and son David R. Troutman (wife Mary) of Albemarle. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M. Saturday January 25, 2014 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 1:00 P.M. Saturday January 25, 2014 Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel

Interment: West Lawn Memorial Park China Grove, NC