Shelby Jean Moore Godby

Shelby Jean Moore Godby, 65, of Liberty, Texas passed away on Sunday, December, 19, 2010 after courageously fighting a nearly seven year battle with cancer. Despite her prognosis, she did not fear death. She said many times that when the Lord is ready for her to go she was ready but, until then, she had things to do.

Born May 9, 1945 in Richmond, Kentucky as the daughter of the late James (Jim) Moore and Sally Lou Irvine Moore, Jean graduated from Madison Central High School, Class of 1963. While a senior in high school, she met her husband, Russell Lee Godby, on a double date and later married June 14, 1963. She was a proud wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.

A lady of incredible strength and drive, Jean had many passions in life, including reading, friendships, travel, antiques, genealogy, and garage sales, but the passion for which she had the most love was her family.

She was a member of the Liberty Church of Christ and a long-time volunteer with the Liberty Church of Christ Food Bank. She never met a stranger, was a lifelong animal lover, and Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in recognition of outstanding service to the community.

Jean is survived by her husband of 47 ˝ years Russell Lee Godby, son James Gregory Godby and his wife Sandra, granddaughter Briana Laura Godby and grandson Mathew Lee Godby, all of Liberty, and son Jon Everett Godby of Houston. She is also survived by numerous other family and friends.

The family wishes to thank all those who have extended their thoughts and prayers during her struggle, including those who have provided her incredible care: the staff of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The Methodist Hospital, and the Houston Hospice.


Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Liberty Church of Christ, 3201 North Main, Liberty, Texas with funeral services immediately following at 2 p.m. at the Church with Jonathon Sanford officiating. A private interment will follow at Cooke Memorial Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are Joshua Chatlin, Jesse Garcia, John Hebert, James Litton, III, Woodrow Ozan, Ronnie Rubit, and Bowen Whittington.