Marian R. Godette

Marian Ricks Godette entered into entered into peace on April 14, 2023. She was born to the late Luther B. and Varonia M. Ricks, in Suffolk, Virginia on November 9, 1937. She was preceded in death by her infant sister, parents, brother Willie R. Ricks and sister Brenda R. Williams. Marian’s early education was received in the Public Schools of Suffolk, Virginia. A degree in education was received from Elizabeth City State Teachers College. At an early age, Marian joined Tabernacle Christian Church. She remained a member until joining First Baptist Church-Bute Street in 1995. On August 11, 1962, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Matthew L. Godette, Jr. and the two were blessed with a son, Wayne. Marian, a retired educator taught for thirty-one years. She was a dedicated creative master teacher who strived to help each child to be the best that he/she could be. Her versatile teaching style was publicly recognized in 1983 when she was “Reading Teacher of the Year”. Her dedication of teaching was a life -long commitment. She took great pride in helping shape the lives of her students and was an uncompromising, demanding teacher with high standards. Children and parents grew to respect her firmness and fairness. She retired in 1991. Following retirement, she continued to volunteer at her church’s READY Academy Christian School in Norfolk, Virginia. Marian was full of love, faith and happiness. Her memories will be treasured by those who lives she loved and touched. Her lost will be felt by many, but we know God has prepared a place for her in His Heavenly Home. She is survived by the love of her life husband, Matthew, son, Wayne (Rycy); two nieces, Cheryl Williams and Lisa Kirkland (Donovan), Godchild and great niece Krystle (Nicholas), brother-in-law, Melton Godette (Sandy), great nieces and nephews and many cousins. A viewing will be held 1-7 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 418 East Bute Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. To view the service online, please visit www.firstbaptistnorfolk.org and click on live streaming. She will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. Memories of Achievements August 1971 Leaders of American Elementary Education April 1976 Outstanding Leaders in Elementary and Secondary Education April 1980 Achievement: Effective Classroom Management -Old Dominion University March 1983 Certificate of Appreciation: - Nansemond Parkway Elementary School - Outstanding Contributions to Reading Suffolk Reading Council June 1983 - Reading Teacher of the Year Suffolk Reading Council - Virginia State Reading Association Suffolk Public Schools - Outstanding Dedicated Service in the Field of Education- Elks Joint Education Committee October 1988 Certificate of Award Nansemond Parkway Elementary School February 1989 Certificate of Award Suffolk Public Schools June 1990 Honor Award: Virginia Education Association June 1991 Outstanding and Dedicated Service Suffolk Public Schools May 1996 First Baptist Church Tutorial Ministry First Baptist Church May 1997 Partner-In-Education Volunteer Award American Education Week June 1997 First Baptist Church Tutorial Ministry First Baptist Church June 1998 First Baptist Church Tutorial Ministry First Baptist Church June 1998 Certificate of Appreciation – Alanton Black Male and Multi Culture Club June 1999 Certificate of Appreciation – Alanton Black Male and Multi Culture Club June 2000 Certificate of Appreciation – Alanton Black Male and Multi Culture Club January 2001 Mamie E. Gordon Missionary Ministry June 2021 Certificate of Appreciation – Alanton Black Male and Multi Culture Club April 2003 Volunteer Service Award: Mack Benn Elementary School May 2003 Community Service Award-Mack Benn Elementary School Outstanding Dedication and Service to Youth Ministry, First Baptist Church November 2003 Certificate of Appreciation - First Baptist Church May 2004 Voluntary Service Award - Mack Benn Elementary School November 2006 Retired Educator of the Year- First Baptist Church April 2006 Outstanding Volunteer – READY Academy Christian School July 2007 In-Service Training Award- Pensacola Christian School July 2008 Community Service Award-READY Academy Christian School May 2009 PSTA Lifetime Membership Award-READY Academy Christian School June 2009 Outstanding Educational Community Services July 2010 Family Tennis Award-READY Academy Christian School To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marian R. Godette, please visit our flower store.