Susannah Godlove

Susannah Godlove was born on January 6, 1936, in Frederick County, Virginia, and left this world on March 4, 2024, at Evergreen Nursing Home in Winchester, Virginia, at the age of 88. Susannah was the daughter of Ray Francis and Evelyn Fout Godlove. She was a 1954 graduate of John Handley High School in Winchester and then continued her studies at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958. She returned to Winchester for a few years where she worked for the local Social Service Agency before moving to her adopted 2nd home of Saint Louis, Missouri, where she studied at Washington University and received her Master's of Social Science Degree. She returned to Winchester when her only sibling, Patricia Godlove May, began her fight with breast cancer. Sadly, "Trishie" passed away shortly after Susannah returned home. Susannah lost her beloved father, Ray, to brain cancer when he was in his late-40's, but his wife, Evelyn, "carried on" supporting both of her daughters and giving them every possible opportunity. Evelyn passed at the age of 94. Susannah remained in Winchester after her sister's death. She was a long-time employee at Winchester Medical Center, where she worked as a psychiatric social worker. Susannah never married, but she had many "kitty" children. She took better care of all of them than she did herself. Susannah donated her life's savings to various animal rights organizations. She had a soft heart, especially for all animals. Susannah was quite active in local organizations, including Valley Glasshoppers, American Association of University Women, Shenandoah Arts Council, as well as having served on the board of Friends of Handley Library. She was also the alumni coordinator at Mary Washington College for the class of 1958. You rarely saw Susannah without her camera. She was the family historian. Susannah loved "good food," especially country ham sandwiches, as well às her mother's tomato gravy. She was strong willed, and tenacious about her beliefs, including social justice. Susannah was at the forefront of the women's rights movement in the 60's, and always said that meeting Gloria Steinem changed her life. She is survived by several special cousins and many dear friends, and former coworkers. Susannah visited our local SPCA daily and became friends with Jessica Duval and her family, who embraced her with love and kindness. In her younger years, Susannah could be seen driving throughout town, in her red Camero sports car. She was a hug fan of Star Trek and always said that she planned to leave this world on the Starship Enterprise. Soar high, Susannah! Susannah was a lifelong member of Gainesboro United Methodist Church. Phelps Funeral Home, located at 311 Hope Drive in Winchester, are handling her arrangements. Visitation will be there from 10-11 am on Saturday, March 9th, with her funeral service immediately following at 11 am. Her cousin, Maximilian Lovell Manuel, will officiate the service. Internment will follow afterward at Back Creek Quaker Cemetery in Gainesboro, Virginia, where she will rest peacefully amongst her loving family. Susannah's most fervent wish would be for everyone to make a difference and vote in our upcoming presidential election. She had a big heart and was greatly worried about the future of our country, especially after living through the Trump presidency. Memorial donations may be sent to our local SPCA, Attention: Jessica Duval, 111 Featherbed Lane, Winchester, Virginia 22601, or to any animal rights organization of your choosing.

Susannah Godlove

January 6, 1936 - March 4, 2024