Patricia Atkinson Godwin

Surrounded by her family at home, Patricia Atkinson Godwin, beloved wife of Larry Godwin for 59 years, transitioned to Heaven the morning of September 25, 2025.  Pat was 79 years old and had battled a long illness from Alzheimer’s.  Born in Hartsville, S.C. on July 13, 1946, she was the daughter of Jake and Christine Atkinson.  Their family moved to Camden when Pat was in 8th grade.  Pat graduated from Camden High School in 1964 and attended Mars Hill College where she earned a Certificate in Secretarial Science.  She was employed by the City of Camden and served as the secretary to the Mayor and City Manager.  She later became a stay-at-home mother to her two children, Mandy and Trey, and was a “professional” volunteer until she became ill eight years ago.  

Early in life, Pat trusted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and never wavered from that commitment

As she served faithfully first as a member at Malvern Hill Baptist Church and then at First Baptist Church, Camden.  While at First Baptist, she and Larry led in the creation of the Touch Ministry and served as co-directors for many years after.  Pat also served in many teaching positions in the church.  She served as a Sunday School teacher, led Youth choir, served on both the Personnel and Missions committees.  Pat was also a member of the Adult choirs at both churches and was active in Heart Shapers Mission Group and supported Missions Worldwide.  She was also instrumental in establishing the Camden-Lugoff Christian Women’s Club and served many years as the organization’s chair.  Pat also served Kershaw Health for over 25 years as a volunteer for Hospice and the Kershaw Health Auxiliary as Treasurer, Gift Shop Co-Manager, and Bookkeeper. She was always willing to volunteer wherever needed in order to raise funding to provide scholarships to scores of nursing students and to purchase equipment and furnishings for the hospital.  Pat also volunteered with Camden Community Ministries, Food for the Soul, and served as Secretary for the Lake Wateree Association for more than 10 years, and was a co-founder of Women of Wateree. There are many other organizations that Pat served in order to improve the quality of life in Kershaw County, especially for those who were economically disadvantaged or needed a helping hand, a friend, or just some encouragement.  Pat loved flowers and was a member of the King Haigler Garden Club for many years.  

In addition to church and charitable work, Pat loved spending time with family and friends at their family home on Lake Wateree.  Pat enjoyed traveling, and she and Larry traveled regularly before her illness.  One of her favorite places to visit was her sister, Vikki’s cabin in the Great Smokey Mountains.  Pat was an avid Gamecock fan and regularly attended Carolina football and basketball games.  Pat also had a special love for Christmas and always purchased a special ornament or decoration from each destination.

Pat is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter, Mandy Godwin of Lugoff; son, Trey Godwin (Amy) of Lake Wateree; grandchildren, Gabe Godwin (Bek) of Salisbury, N.C., Pierce and Patrick Oliver of Lugoff, S.C., Olive and Porter Godwin of Lake Wateree, SC; great granddaughter, Leona Godwin of Salisbury, N.C.; and sisters, Debbie Atkinson and Vikki Dority (Mark) of Camden.  In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by brothers, Mike (Wanda) Atkinson and Mitchell Atkinson, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Stevenson.  

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Camden, 1201 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020 on September 29, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Bill Howard III, former Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Camden, will conduct the memorial service.  After the service, a visitation for family and friends will be held in the FBC Fellowship Center adjacent to the sanctuary. 

The family wishes to thank MUSC Hospice for over 20 months of care and support with special thanks and recognition for the love and compassion shown to Pat and Larry.  The family also extends a special thank you to Marquita and the staff of RetireEase for their care.  

For those who wish to make memorials the family suggest donating to the Lottie Moon Offering at First Baptist Church Camden or to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Thank you to Kornegay Funeral Home for service to the family. 

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