Joyce Ellen Godwin Davis

Joyce Ellen Godwin was born Feb. 8, 1949, in Jefferson. She was the daughter of Gloria Jean Fister Godwin and Edward James Godwin. Joyce attended school at Paton-Churdan Public Schools.

Her early life included working at a variety of jobs. Through the years she worked at Franklin Manufacturing, McAtee Tire and the Jefferson Manor. She enjoyed tending bar at many locations around town.

Joyce married Eddie Davis on Dec. 14, 1998. They farmed near Jamaica in Greene County.

Joyce was an excellent cook. For many years she fed farmhands and took meals to the field. She was an avid gardener and canned a lot of the garden produce. Joyce enjoyed harvesting apples from her orchard. It was one of her favorite, seasonal times of the year. Joyce had a specialty for making horseradish, and her family said it was the best!

Joyce was a member of the Jefferson Does. She made many salads and pies for their fundraising events. Joyce was very good at bowling and playing darts. She participated in many tournaments and won many awards. She played pinochle and other card games. In later years, Joyce enjoyed the casino and often took apple or peach crisp to the casino employees.

Joyce Davis died April 5 at home surrounded by family. She was 72.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: James Godwin and Joe Godwin; and her husband, Eddie Davis.

Survivors include her children: Tammy Tolsdorf, Lyle Jesse (Ashley) Lorentzen Jr., Birton (Mae) Davis, Travis (Morgan) Davis; grandchildren: Jason Smits and Jesse Crawford; great-grandchildren: Rose, Lillian, DeAmerica, Christian and Adrianna; sisters: Jessie Custer, Jacqui Mentzer, Janneta (Roger) Miller and Jeannie (Randy) Liggett; brother Jeff (Jewel) Godwin; stepchildren:  Rochelle Schaffer and Bill Davis; sister-in-law Jane Godwin; other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life was held April 14 at Clover Hall of the Greene County Fairgrounds, with words of comfort by Pastor Tom Hinote of The Sanctuary.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home assisted the family.

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161