Jody Raulston Godwin, the original “Sweet Jody” died unexpectedly on November 5, 2017 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Jody was a 1966 graduate of Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, TN, her hometown. The day after she turned eighteen she left for boot camp, eventually becoming a Vietnam era disabled Air Force Veteran due to vision problems. While working full time, she earned a BA in English from Florida State University and became the first certified paralegal in the state of Florida. Jody worked in the legal field her entire life, thirty years in the office of Attorney Don Dewrell. Local judges often called upon her to do research and for advice. She helped so many fishermen get their licenses and freely gave legal advice to all who needed help. She wasn’t afraid to do anything; in her forties she obtained her Pilot’s license even though she was considered to be legally blind. If she had done what she really wanted as a career she would have been a Carpenter. She loved a challenge and power saws and could build anything. Jody is survived by her husband, Mike Beck; sons, Chip (Tracy) Godwin, Casey Godwin and Chris Godwin, all of Destin, FL; stepson, Monte Beck; stepdaughter, Lainey Treston; grandchildren, Justin, Caymen and Callie Godwin, Adam and Kyle, Peyton, Porter and Cooper; sisters, Link (Bill) Sparks of Chattanooga, TN, Mart Willett of Destin, FL and Tina Myers of Oglethorpe, GA; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Nell Forester and John Blalock; Emma Ellison and E.B. Raulston, Sr.; mother and stepfather, Lois and Pete Davidson; father, E.B. “Jack” Ralston, Jr. A private gathering will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 3:30PM at McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Avenue S.E.; Fort Walton Beach, FL. Expressions of love and sympathy can be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com
 

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