- Born: June 3, 1021 Johnston, NC
- Died: July 20, 2009 Wilson Medical Center, Wilson, NC
- Married: Earney Whitehurst Cayton on July 11, 1945
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| Emma Lee's children with Earney Cayton |
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| Nancy Jean Cayton Baldree |
| Melba Jane Cayton Bynum |
| Peggy Joyce Cayton Carnahan |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Emma Lee Godwin Cayton, born on June 3, 1921, in a small wooden frame house on her granddaddy Charley Godwin’s Farm in Johnston County, North Carolina, was the daughter of Bessie Lee Stancil and James Marvin Godwin. Known as ‘Lee’ by her siblings and ‘Emma Lee’ by her parents, she possessed a quiet, delicate, and dainty demeanor, much like her mother Bessie.
Emma Lee's early life was marked by both innocence and responsibility. She is famously credited with saving her younger brother Billie’s life from a cotton fire started by their older brother Cleon. Growing up during the Great Depression, she witnessed hard times, which instilled in her a lifelong habit of saving and frugality. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1938. In 1940, she, her brother Billie, and younger sister Esther moved with their parents to a farm in Wilson County, though they faithfully returned to Center Ridge Presbyterian Church for Sunday services—a church her own grandpa Henry had helped establish.
It was at Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson County where Emma Lee met her future husband, Earney Whitehurst Cayton. Earney, who had grown up on a farm and completed three years of high school, made a lasting impression. Their courtship blossomed, and with the blessings of Emma Lee’s parents, they were married on July 11, 1945. Emma Lee wore a beautiful blue lace dress with white shoes and a white hat for the occasion. Their honeymoon was a memorable two nights at the stylish Hotel Cherry.
After their wedding, Emma and Earney began their life together, initially residing with his family before moving into their own home. Earney dedicated himself to farming tobacco, corn, cotton, and raising hogs. Emma Lee, who had already become an active member of Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church before her marriage, continued her deep involvement. Throughout the years, she served in various leadership roles within the women’s auxiliary, including president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and hostess. She also taught Sunday School and Bible School, culminating in a lifetime achievement award in 2005 for her 50 years of meritorious service.
Their home life was rich with tradition and the bounty of the land. They maintained a large garden, canning many vegetables, and Emma Lee diligently cared for the cow's milk, making butter. She adored old-fashioned flowers like zinnias, snapdragons, and Sweet Williams. Her prized Tropicana Rose was a special treasure, rooted from a cutting by her father, Marvin Godwin, before his passing in May 1977. She also cherished a snake plant, or Mother-in-law Tongue, inherited from her own mother Bessie, who died in 1974. This rarely blooming plant recently gave her great joy with its green-white blooms just before her passing. Emma Lee was also an expert seamstress, making beautiful clothes for her daughters, including their wedding dresses for Janie and Peggy, and creating intricate quilts, skills passed down from her mother. She was fascinated by hummingbirds, collecting them and keeping a hanging one near her chair.
Emma Lee’s friendly nature also shone through in her professional life during the 1970s when she worked for several years in the company store for Blue Bell in Wilson. Her adventurous spirit led her and Earney on several trips with her brother Billie and his wife Jessie Mae, including Niagara Falls and Canada in 1982, Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry in 1985, and a two-week journey out west in 1986, stopping at landmarks like the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Tombstone, Arizona, Houston, Texas, and Louisiana.
Emma Lee’s warmth and humor were deeply appreciated by her family. Nephew Delbridge fondly recalled her delicious sweet potato pie, the last one she ever made, and her "favor pot" which yielded many tasty dishes. Christmases at her home were filled with jokes, laughter, and cheese biscuits. Her life was guided by her deep faith; her favorite song was “In the Garden,” and her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” She shared a special bond with her youngest great-grandchildren, Anna Pearson Garrett and Kenan Jace Collins, both born in 2007, whose presence brightened her eyes and frequently found them sharing her bed or riding in her "big stroller" (wheelchair).
After a very active life, Emma Lee’s health declined following a fall on May 23, 2007, which led to a hospital stay and rehabilitation. Due to a medication error, she developed a blood clot. Her daughters, Nancy, Janie, and Peggy, lovingly took over her care, viewing it as a blessing and an opportunity to serve their mother. Even in her final days, Emma Lee taught by example, remaining appreciative, gracious, and never complaining or asking "Why me."
Emma Lee Godwin Cayton passed away on July 20, 2009, at Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, NC, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 61 years, Earney Whitehurst Cayton, whose marriage was envied by many for keeping the spark of young love alive. Emma Lee will be deeply missed by her sister Esther Marie Narron, brother Billie Horace Godwin and his wife Rose, sisters-in-law Nona Godwin Matthews and Dolly Godwin, and her devoted daughters Nancy Jean Baldree (and husband Lee), Melba Jane (and husband Roger), and Peggy Joyce Carnahan (and husband Wes).
Affectionately known as Aunt Emmy to her nieces and nephews, Emma Lee maintained strong family ties. She attended the 2008 Stancil Reunion with her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins, a testament to her enduring connection to her family. Her exemplary life, ruled by a deep faith in God and a caring, loving, and gentle spirit, will be forever remembered.