Caroll Jean (Odom) Godbee

Caroll Jean Odom Godbee passed away on April 28, 2026. A native of Lyons, Georgia, she was born on March 11, 1943, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fulton Odom.

Caroll was a 1961 graduate of Lyons High School. She continued her education at the Women’s College of Georgia (now Georgia College & State University), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. She later earned a master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. A dedicated educator with a heart for service, Caroll touched many lives during her 22-year career teaching special education within the Vidalia City School System. She held a deep and lifelong love for all children, carrying a special place in her heart for those with special needs.

Above all, Caroll’s greatest love was her own family. She cherished her role as a wife, sister, aunt, and mother and found her most profound joy in her grandchildren. While she would have been absolutely thrilled to meet her new great-grandson, her family will ensure he grows up knowing the warmth and devotion she held for them all.

A faithful member of Vidalia Cornerstone Church (formerly Vidalia First United Methodist Church), Caroll served her congregation in many capacities, including president of the United Methodist Women and as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She also was active in her community serving at Community Hospice as a volunteer and at Second Blessings.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Barron Whitehead Godbee, Jr., and her daughter, Janie Anne Godbee McGregor.

She is survived by her children, Erica Godbee Harden (John Wesley) of Sandersville, and Fred Odom Godbee (Mandy) of Vidalia; her son-in-law, Danny McGregor of Clarkesville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Mary Katherine Harden Maness (Ryne), Barron Scott Godbee, Thomas Fulton Godbee, and Jack Preston Godbee; her great-grandson, John Dalford Maness; her sister, Ann Odom Todd (Jack); and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, May 1st, 2026, at 11:00 at Vidalia Cornerstone Church with Pastor Jose Caraballo and Reverend Jim Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 until just prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vidalia Cornerstone Church, PO Box 150, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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