Marchelle Jane Adams Godby, born Nov. 13, 1946, passed peacefully on Apr. 23, 2026, and went to be with her Lord and Savior after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.
Born in Hinton, WV, and raised in Alderson, Jane carried with her a quiet strength, deep faith, and gentle kindness that touched everyone who knew her. She was both resilient and graceful – fearless in the face of life’s challenges, yet always soft in spirit and generous in love.
Jane built a meaningful career in healthcare administration, where she served others with compassion and dedication. She also faithfully ministered in the nursery at Bethlehem Baptist for over 30 years, where she found great joy caring for children and formed many lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.
Jane found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. She enjoyed afternoon tea with friends and her daughters, tending to her garden, and bird watching – especially her beloved cardinals. She was happiest sharing a good meal surrounded by those she loved and taking little day adventures, exploring country roads and making memories along the way.
Her faith in Christ was the foundation of her strength, especially throughout her health journey. It was a strength so evident that anyone who encountered her immediately felt it. Many nurses, doctors and chaplains who cared for her spoke of how deeply they were touched and inspired by her unwavering faith and grace.
Above all, Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She shared 64 beautiful years of marriage with her husband and the love of her life, David L. Godby. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and unwavering commitment.
She is survived by her loving husband, David L. Godby; her daughters, Teresa Wilke and her husband Paul Wilke, Kelly A. Godby, and Sarah Jane Esposito and her husband Michael Esposito; her cherished grandsons, Noah Esposito, Madden Esposito, and Gabriel Esposito; and her dear sister, Barbara Miner.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marshall Adams; her mother, Frances Yates; her brother, Joseph Adams; and her daughter, Terri Lynn Godby.
Jane’s love for her family was constant and unconditional. She was not only a mother, but a best friend – someone whose presence brought comfort, whose words brought peace, and whose love will be carried forward by those who knew her best.
Mom, we don’t say goodbye, but we will be along shortly.
Funeral service will be at 2 PM Sunday, May 17, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Memorial Gardens.
A visitation will be Saturday, May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.
