Bernice Murray Godfrey, age 86, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with leukemia on March 20, 2025. She was raised in Frankford, DE, to the late James and Maud Hickman Murray. Bernice grew up on a farm, an experience that instilled in her a deep appreciation of faith, family, and the simple joys of life.

Bernice graduated from John M. Clayton High School in 1956, where she formed lasting friendships and she cherished reunions with her classmates. After graduating high school, she moved to Wilmington and earned an associate's degree from Goldey Beacom College in 1958 before beginning her long and dedicated career at Hercules Incorporated. She worked there until her retirement in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and integrity.  In 1961, Bernice married James E. Godfrey, and together they shared 64 years of love, partnership, and joy until Jim's passing in 2019. Along with her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her beloved nephew, Stephen Furman.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother. Bernice is survived by her identical twin sister, Barbara Jane Furman, who was her best friend and caretaker at the end of her life. Born just seven minutes apart, Bernice considered herself fortunate to have had Barbara by her side throughout her life. She is also survived by her two adoring children, Scott (Melissa) and Lisa Lyons (Patrick), and six grandsons: Bradley (Nina), Thomas, and Michael (Bri) Godfrey, and Jack, Shane, and Nathan Lyons. Also survived by nieces Tammy Olewinski (Bill), and their daughters Lindsay (Vin), Katie and Megan and Amy Furman and her children Ian, Sarah, and Mel. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family. She so enjoyed being all together for holidays with extended family, sharing in meals, watching her grandsons' sporting events and activities and spending time back in her hometown. She was a member of the Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church and enjoyed the fellowship there. She had a wonderful group of friends throughout her life. Her family, friends, and all who knew her will remember Bernice for her kind heart, her unwavering devotion to her loved ones, and the many ways she touched their lives. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude.

Services will be held on Wednesday evening, March 26th at Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church (address below) at 6 PM with visitation starting at 5 PM and Thursday, March 27th at 12 noon with visitation starting at 11 AM at Melson Funeral Home, 43 Thatcher St, Frankford, DE 19945.  Interment will follow at Mariner's Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bernice's memory to Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church, 850 Mount Lebanon Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.