Century Resident Celebrates Her 103rd Birthday

February 19, 2015

Della Godwin of Century celebrated her 103rd birthday Thursday.

Godwin was born in Jay back in 1912, one of 12 children born to her parents Annie and William Griffis. She has two younger surviving siblings -  Jean Clark and Veda Welch. She raised two sons, one of which is deceased, and has four grandchildren.

She was raised in the Mount Carmel community of Santa Rosa County. In her early years, she spent most of time in the cotton fields, but she was always in church on Sundays.

Godwin attributes her long life to hard work and faith. Those who know her will say that she was always caring for and helping others. She always put family first, even if it meant she had to do without the things she needed.

Godwin is longtime resident of the Century area and is the oldest resident at the Century Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Pictured top: Century resident Della Godwin turns 103 years old Thursday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

17 Responses to “Century Resident Celebrates Her 103rd Birthday”

  1. Blessing on February 20th, 2015 12:59 pm

    Happy birthday Ms. Godwin….what a blessing!

  2. Beth Higdon on February 19th, 2015 11:32 pm

    Happy Birthday Mrs. Della!! I love ur crazy self!! You are one of my favorite memories @ CCC… So glad your doin well. Take care and keep Jean in line ;-)

  3. Tammi Hill on February 19th, 2015 10:47 pm

    Happy Birthday Grandma Della!! You was always there for my kids and a great Grandma for them and we wish you many more birthdays to come. I remember every morning you would look on your calendar and make sure if someone had a birthday that you would call them and wish them a happy birthday.

  4. Sage 2 on February 19th, 2015 6:01 pm

    God Bless Her and Happy Birthday!! Imagine all she has seen in her lifetime!

  5. Jim Weaver on February 19th, 2015 5:13 pm

    Happy Birthday Mrs. Godwin may you be blessed for many more to come.

  6. Teresa on February 19th, 2015 1:51 pm

    Happy Birthday Ms. Godwin Today is my 59birthday i hope i live a long life

  7. Audrey on February 19th, 2015 1:37 pm

    Happy Birthday!

  8. Carl & Sylvia Godwin on February 19th, 2015 10:47 am

    Happy birthday Mrs. Godwin you are a very blessed lady! May God keep blessing you. Have a wonderful day!

  9. EMD on February 19th, 2015 10:20 am

    One of my home health care patients in the nineties. Beautiful! Happy birthday Mrs. Godwin.

  10. Linda davis on February 19th, 2015 10:07 am

    Della, you played such a special part in so many lives. You are a special lady! I wish you a happy birthday from me and all my children—-

  11. Bob C. on February 19th, 2015 9:34 am

    Ms. Della, Happy Awesome Birthday to YOU…!!!!!!

    WOW, I sure hope a video chronicle is being made telling of your experiences and the just amazing changes that you have seen during your life.

    I sure hope you have a Wonderful Day and Many More….God Bless You.

  12. sheila carnley on February 19th, 2015 7:48 am

    Happy Birthday to a wonderful lady.

  13. TCutting on February 19th, 2015 7:43 am

    Happy Birthday Ms. Della!!!!! She was my first babysitter when I was a child. She has always had a special place in my heart!!! Hugs and Love to her on her special day!!!!!

  14. just saying on February 19th, 2015 7:29 am

    Wishing Ms. Godwin the happiest of birthdays and many more years with us! I’m sure she is treasured by her family and friends. She looks amazing! God Bless!

  15. Wow on February 19th, 2015 6:00 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. GODWIN. <3

  16. 429SCJ on February 19th, 2015 5:52 am

    Happy Birthday Miz Godwin.

  17. well on February 19th, 2015 4:56 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News