Myrna Upchurch Godfrey

Myrna Upchurch Godfrey, 68, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham.

Born on November 17, 1956, in Durham, Myrna was the daughter of Wanda Daniels Upchurch Davis and the late William Harold Upchurch. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Stanley North Davis.

Myrna is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, William Joseph “Joey” Godfrey; her children, Amy Godfrey Smith (Brad) of Wake Forest, NC; Jeremy Scott Godfrey (Katie) of Kernersville, NC; and Justin Randall Godfrey (fiancée Georgia and her daughter Frankie) of Nokomis, FL. She is also survived by her mother, Wanda Davis, sister, Kris Brooks (Manny); stepbrother, Mike Davis (Cindy); stepsister, Lori Ivins (Donald); and her cherished grandchildren: Austin Bradley Smith (fiancée Connor), Ragan Paige Godfrey, Blaine Walker Smith, Deacon Scott Godfrey, Saylor Reese Godfrey, and Kyler Garrett Smith.

Myrna was a loving and selfless wife, mother, Grammy, daughter, sister, and friend. A woman of deep faith, she was a member of Shady Grove Church and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Throughout her life, Myrna worked in bookkeeping and medical research, but her greatest joy and priority was always her faith and her family.

A graveside service for close friends and family will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens. The grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Casual attire is preferred. Reverend Tim McCreight will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Shady Grove Church, 3805 Carpenter Pond Road, Durham, NC 27703 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.