Lillie “Ruth” Godbolt
June 17, 1957 -
December 11, 2024
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Lillie "Ruth" Godbolt, 67, took her eternal rest, surrounded by her children at Froedtert South Medical Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Ruth was born to Thomas and Maggie (Davis) McElveen, Sr., on June 17, 1957, in Charleston, SC.
Ruth was a proud graduate of Bons Wilson High School and Concordia University. Ruth was a strong advocate in the power of education and its ability to transform lives. Her commitment to excellence and learning left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Ruth worked for the Federal Government for 34 years, where she not only built a successful career but also forged lifelong friendships and a second family. Her dedication, leadership, and warmth endeared her to all she worked with.
Ruth married Alston Godbolt, Sr., of North Chicago, IL, then were blessed with two children. In 1988, the couple moved to Kenosha, WI where they began attending Second Baptist Church. Faith was central in Ruth's life, as she had given her life to Christ at an early age, she served loyally on the Usher Board at Second Baptist Missionary Church, where she greeted everyone with a warm smile and a caring heart.
In her free time, Ruth loved to dance and listen to live music, finding joy in the rhythm of life. Her laugh, warmth, and love of life were infectious, leaving a legacy of happiness for all who knew her.
Ruth leaves a lasting legacy to her children, Alston (Shannon) Godbolt, Jr of Kenosha and Ashley (Michelle) Godbolt-Taylor of Saint Petersburg, FL; and bonus daughter, Tracy Godbolt of Waukegan, IL. She was the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren, Trania, Taylor, Alexei, Layla, and Amir, whose laughter and joy brought light to her life. She also leaves her beautiful memories to be carried by her sisters, Elizabeth Gross of Stone Mountain, GA, Deborah Charles of Lithonia, GA, and Marcella (Mark) McElveen-Shaw or Covington, GA. She also shared a special bond with her beloved host of nieces and nephews, who adored her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 30 years, Alston Godbolt Sr.; and her parents, Thomas and Maggie McElveen. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Cross and Idella Whaley; her brothers, Thomas McElveen Jr., Joseph McElveen; and brother-in-law Harvey Cross.
A special thank you to Shannon Godbolt, whom has been a dutiful, caring, and beautiful daughter-in-love for the past 20 years. We couldn't ask for a better angel to be in our midst.
Service Info
Memorial services honoring Lillie’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, 3925 32nd Ave, Kenosha.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231, https://www.heart.org are appreciated by the family.
Posted by:
Gregory FranklinI first met Ruth, when I began working for NCO 12 at FHCC in North Chicago. It was my first day at work and I was seated in the office with our supervisor. He was providing me with an introduction and overview of the position. There was a knock on the door, it opened and Ruth peered. I don't recall exactly, what she said, she closed the door and left. That was the beginning of an amazing journey for me. Had it not been for Ruth's faith, wisdom, enthusiasm, humor I would have resigned the first day. Thanks to Ruth I stayed at FHCC for nearly two years. She retired a couple of months before I left. It simply was not the same without her. She and I were contract specialist, who support the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center located in Chicago. It was a very challenging opportunity, but Ruth excelled in spite of it all. Her tenacity and sheer grit were always at work. I learned so much from her about contracting and life, during our time together at FHCC. Ruth and I spoke by phone several months ago. She shared with me that her health had declined, and she was no longer able to care for herself. Although it was as bitter-sweet conversation, there was still laughter. Ruth always was able to add an interesting twist to any situation. I continued to text her periodically and call, but did not get a response. I prayed that she would be healed and restored to full health. However, God chose a different path. I am confident that an omniscience God always makes the correct decision. I extend my heartfelt condolence to the family and friends, but know that Ruth is absent from the body, but present with God. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
