Caroline Paige Godwin

Caroline Paige Godwin was born on December 25, 1979 in Fayetteville, NC and went to her heavenly home on April 7, 2026. She is the daughter of Stephen Douglas Godwin and Gayle Ogburn Surles Godwin and the sister of Stephen “Ryan” Godwin. Caroline was affectionately nicknamed “The Christmas Angel” by her Mom and Dad and “Khaki” by her brother, Ryan. She held a special love for her nephew, Grant Michael Godwin, who brought her unimaginable joy.

Caroline was a graduate of Terry Sanford High School and East Carolina University, where she was always a true and proud Pirate. She earned her Master’s of School Administration Degree from UNC Pembroke.

She began her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher at Armstrong Elementary School in Eastover, NC, served students across Bladen County where she was named Teacher of Year and was principal of both Burgaw Middle School followed by Pender High School where she was named principal of the Year. She embraced her students with excellence and compassion and continued to grow in her calling as an educator and leader, eventually serving as principal of Jones Dairy Elementary School in Wake County.

Caroline was the epitome of leading by example. She had a gift for connecting with people and built a sense of family within every school she led. She believed deeply in the value of public education and that every child matters, working tirelessly to support, encourage, and walk with her students as they grew.

Her early childhood summers were spent with her family at White Lake, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. She learned to water ski at a young age, eventually skiing with the White Lake Ski Heels, and carried her love for the lake, beach music, and shag dancing into adulthood. Her heart pulled her to White Lake as a permanent home in 2003 where she adopted the “Lake Life”.

Caroline’s warm smile, caring nature, and unmistakable laugh lit up any room. She always had a story to tell and a way of making people feel seen and welcome. She was generous, kind, and selfless - always giving freely and living with a heart of gold. Countless individuals and organizations were touched by her hard work, devotion, and unwavering commitment.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She was raised Presbyterian and carried those beliefs with her, while also giving her time to her community through involvement in the Junior League of Fayetteville and as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her sudden passing leaves a heartache that is difficult to heal right now, yet it also leaves behind a lifetime of memories, love, and impact that no one can take away. The lives she touched, the students she cared for, and the family she cherished will continue to reflect her legacy for years to come.

There is no doubt she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Caroline is survived by her parents, brother Ryan and his wife Lauryn, and her treasured nephew Grant. 

Her celebration of life is planned for Sunday, April 12, at 2:00pm at “The Venue” at White Lake NC. The family will receive friends at the home of Steve and Gayle Godwin, and in The Venue breezeway at the conclusion of the celebration of life. 

Flowers provided by Whimsical Florist, Elizabethtown, NC

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