Janie L. Godard

Janie L. Godard, of Flint, Michigan was called to her eternal home on April 24, 2024. Janie, a beacon of love and faith, was born on the 16th of August 1939, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and she took her last breath in South Bend, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Janie, the daughter of the late George Alexander and Ola Martin, was a woman whose life was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Godard, whom she married on the blessed day of April 11, 1987, and who passed before her in 2021. Together, they shared a love that was pure and enduring. She was also preceded in death by her dear daughters, Pamela, Michelle, and Yvonne Fultz, her cherished granddaughter, LaTosha Fultz, and nine siblings who now welcome her into the heavenly fold.

For over 20 years, Janie served with grace and diligence at Countryside Place Nursing and Rehabilitation as a housekeeper until she relocated to Flint, Michigan. Her work was not merely a job; it was a ministry of care and compassion, touching the lives of many with her gentle spirit and warm smile. 

A longtime member of Ebenezer Ministries in Flint, Michigan, where she served on the Usher’s Board. Janie lived her faith every day, walking in the light of the Lord and spreading His love to all she encountered. She was a God-fearing woman whose love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. She found joy in the simplest of pleasures, such as watching "The Andy Griffith Show" and following the twists and turns of her beloved soap operas. Janie enjoyed taking walks which were a representation of her purposeful walk-through life.  

Janie's love for her family was matched only by her love for life's little pleasures. Her red nail polish was not just a color but a statement of her vibrant personality and zest for life. Janie’s best friends Betty Cummings, Mary Wigfall and Juanita Kyle looked forward to her daily phone calls and friend time.  

Left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Vanessa Fultz and Angela (Carl) Gadson of South Bend; her sons, Walter Alexander of Miami, Florida, Archie Fultz Jr, and Robert Fultz of South Bend; her sister, Alma Butts of Chicago; and her brother, Lee Martin of South Bend. Janie's legacy continues through her 14 grandchildren, Meagan (Keristen), Jayawana, Archae, Dominick, Ja'Nae (Robert Jacobsen), Gregory, Reinie, Randy (Brooke), Brittney (Landie), Justin, Tyshaneka, Tyanna, and Carlicia, along with 31 great-grandchildren, special nephew Regis Martin, bonus daughter Lisa Addison, each a shining star in the vast sky of her love.  

The family would like to give special thanks to Beacon Memorial hospital as well as the staff and nurses at Healthwin Rehabilitation for their care of Janie during her final days. 

Funeral services for Janie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 24393 Fillmore Rd. South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Graveside services and burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. 

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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