Published in The Daily Journal on July 7, 2016
Vineland, NJ

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Martha Fay Godown
AGE: 62 - Millville

Martha Fay Godown, 62, of Millville, joined loved ones in the next life
on Saturday, July 2 following a brave fight against complications of heart
surgery.

Martie was a graduate of Millville High School Class of 1972, and earned 
Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Glassboro State College. She
was a beloved language arts teacher at Ocean City Intermediate School for
31 years. Martie retired in 2011 and returned to live in the family home
in Millville.

Surviving are her brother, David Raymond Godown and sister-in-law, Annette 
McKain Godown of Wheeling, WV, devoted niece and nephews Elizabeth Amanda
Godown of Philadelphia, Michael Raymond Godown of Wheeling, and William
David Godown of Wheeling, several aunts and cousins, and her cat, Little
Man. She is predeceased by her father, Raymond Leon Godown, Jr., her mother,
Barbara Gray Godown, and a brother, James Stephen Godown. She is also the
daughter of Elvin Hunter, who passed away when she was an infant. Family was
of utmost importance to Martie, and she was a huge part of the lives of her
niece and nephews. She also maintained close relationships with her Godown,
Hunter, and Whitaker families, which extended back to a happy childhood in
Millville and fun summers at her grandmother's cottage on Union Lake.

Martie had a huge circle of lifelong friends who were also like family to 
her, stretching from Ocean City west to Hawaii and east to Germany. She 
loved spending time with them and their families, and often traveled to
visit those far away. Travel was one of her great pleasures, and she was
also an avid reader, a writer, and an incredible cook.

For over 30 years, Martie was a volunteer and supporter of the Vineland 
Regional Dance Company (VRDC), assisting each year with the makeup for the
annual Nutcracker performances. In 1996 she became a member of the VRDC
board of directors and also served as parliamentarian for Regional Dance
America/Northeast, traveling to meetings and competitions throughout the
U.S. Over the years, "Miss Martie" helped encouraged many young dancers to
follow their dreams. Recently, the VRDC established a scholarship in her
honor. She was also a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church
in Millville.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Vineland Regional Dance Company Martha
Godown Scholarship or to Trinity United Methodist Church. A celebration of
Martie's life is being planned for August. Online condolences can be shared
at rocapshannon@aol.com or www.rocapshannon.com, or SNJToday.com.

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