Ruth Godwin Strickland, age 95, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at SECU Hospice House of Smithfield. Born on October 26, 1930, she was a daughter of the late John Ralph Godwin and Lena Pearl Strickland Godwin. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lloyd Lamuel Strickland; siblings, Gerald Godwin, James Godwin, JoAnne Pope, and Lois Wilkins.

Ruth grew up in Johnston County, a member of the “Greatest Generation,” living through some of our country’s most trying times, which forged in her a disciplined work ethic, a strong character full of determination, attention to detail, intelligence, and insight. She was a loving and devoted mother and wife of 72 years, grandmother, great-grandmother, and was known to many as “Mema.”

Ruth worked at Peoples Bank, Rocky Mount, and First Citizens Bank in Smithfield and Wilson in the installment loan department. She was a longtime member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Wilson, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Smithfield. Over the years, she was active in teaching Sunday School, the Altar Guild, the Kitchen Guild, and volunteered in the church office. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needle work, fashion, reading, and gardening. She loved dancing, meeting her husband at a dance. They were active in square dance clubs, and later, in senior dancing groups.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Debbie S. Attayek (Ned) of Smithfield and Jennifer S. Griffin (Sid) of Bahama; brother, John Ralph Godwin Jr. “Bud”; sister, Betty Norris; grandchildren, Al Griffin (Jenna), Jenna Davis (Chuck), and Mary Elizabeth Rives (Jefferson); great-grandchildren, Charleston Davis, Strickland Davis, Griffin Davis, Henry Griffin, Clark Griffin, Hill Rives, George Rives, and Jack Rives; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer their sincerest gratitude to the people of St, Paul's for their support, to all of the many caregivers who assisted with Ruth, including, but not limited to, Anne Austin, Jen Watson, Marti Heyward, Asia Jordan, and Catrice Morris, as well as, Dr. Teresa Bau, Dr. Craig Carter, Dr. John French, and Dr. Dennis Koffer.

Additional thanks are extended to all the members of Johnston Home Health and Hospice Group and Home Instead Home Health Group for all their loving care.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, with a reception in Lawrence Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, either the general fund or the Christian Education Fund, 218 S. Second St, Smithfield, 27577. Contributions may also be sent to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, 426 Hospital Rd, Smithfield, NC, 27577.