Quinell Godsey

Quinell West Godsey, 78, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019 at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Her funeral was August 22 at 10am at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Jasper. TriStar Cremation in Nashville, Tenn. is assisting the family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie June West; her former husband, Ted Godsey and her parents, Quinton and Lucille West. A loving mother, homemaker and artist, she is survived by her six children, Zena Tucker, David Godsey, Paul Godsey, Gwyn Duke, Joan Smith and Teddy Godsey; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Quinell was born in Jasper, Alabama and attended school at Thach School near Nauvoo. She lived mostly in Walker and Winston counties but also lived briefly in Fairfield, CA, Parker, AZ, and Huntsville, AL. She loved her children and grandchildren, and cared for most of her grandchildren as often as she could, but especially when the parents needed her. Traveling was another passion for Quinell, especially when nature or cathedrals were on the agenda. Ever adventure seeking, she even went snowshoeing in the 9 degree weather of Colorado mountains. An insightful artist, her imaginative work included writing, sewing, crochet, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and watercolor painting. Her patchwork quilts are still treasured by her children today. Her sweet watercolors captured her unique view of her surroundings; her most frequent subjects were flowers and cats. Quinell enjoyed music and was never too shy to dance to most any kind– from Bluegrass, to Pop, to Jazz. Shape note singing, aka Sacred Harp music, was close to her heart. She particularly loved the toe-tapping tunes such as “Rocky Road”. Quinell developed early onset dementia in her 60s. She was lovingly cared for by her son Paul and her daughter Joan during these challenging years. She entered full time nursing care in 2012 and spent her final years in Haleyville Health & Rehab. While the Alzheimers whittled away at her faculties, she bravely maintained a gentle disposition and grace throughout, offering smiles and a gentle touch when she could. Quinell died due to the complications of these years of decline. Her final days were peaceful in the company of her children. She is buried, as per her wish, near her beloved parents in Bennett Cemetery, Nauvoo, Alabama.