ALSTON JOYNES GODWIN

ALSTON JOYNES GODWIN of Cape Charles, VA died January 16, 2013 at the age of 101. At the age of 16, she began a mortuary apprenticeship at Gray's Funeral Home, under the direction of her aunt and uncle, Jennie and Mills Gray. She obtained ownership of the firm after the passing of her aunt. She then partnered with her husband, the late Thomas L. Godwin, to manufacture burial vaults. Together, they expanded the business to serve funeral homes throughout the area. She became a licensed funeral director in 1944, renewing her licenses at the age of 99. She was one of the oldest living licensed funeral directors in the state of Virginia. In 2012, she was recognized as a Living Legend by the 100 Black Women of Funeral Directors.