Karen Jo Austin Godfrey

Karen Jo Austin Godfrey, 67, of Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully Friday, August 22, 2025, in Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation after a courageous battle with Cancer. Karen was born in Pasquotank County, NC on September 17, 1957, to the late Julian Haywood Austin, Jr. and Ann Elizabeth Scott Austin. Karen dedicated over 20 years to compassionately caring for others and later retired from her position as a Certified Nursing Assistant with W.R. Winslow Memorial Home.

Karen enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many cousins, finding adventures they could share when they were together. She had a love for the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a very special place for her since childhood where she roamed through the live oaks and swam from the banks of the Pamlico Sound and often fell asleep to the sound of the Whippoorwill calling out in the night behind her grandparents home in Frisco, NC.

Surviving are her two sons, Scott Andrews (Monica) of Texas, Christopher Andrews of Maryland; two sisters, Brenda White (L.E.) and Susan Mayo (Mike); a brother, Julian Austin, III (Mary); six grandchildren, Melvin, Gage, Kyla, Colton, (Battista, mother of Kyla and Colton), Julian and Grace; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Ramoth Gilead Baptist Church, Elizabeth City, and will be conducted by the Rev. Ken Littleton. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Karen’s family will receive visitors at the home of Brenda and L.E. White, 1336 School House Rd., Elizabeth City, NC.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to her many caregivers to include those in her family, her neighbors, the staff at Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation and MSA Hospice for the love and support provided during her time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.