Emma Lee Godwin Cayton, known affectionately as "Lee" to her siblings and "Emma Lee" to her parents, lived a life of quiet strength, deep faith, and profound devotion to her family and community. Her journey was intertwined with that of her beloved husband, Earney Whitehurst Cayton, a partnership that blossomed from shared roots in North Carolina and spanned nearly 61 years.

Early Life and Enduring Values

Born on June 3, 1921, in a small wooden frame house on her granddaddy Charley Godwin's Farm in Johnston County, North Carolina, Emma Lee was the daughter of Bessie Lee Stancil and James Marvin Godwin. Her early life was a blend of innocence and responsibility, famously highlighted by her quick thinking that saved 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 firsthand, which instilled in her a lifelong habit of saving and frugality.

Emma Lee 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, emphasizing the deep roots of faith and family in her life.

Meeting Earney and Building a Partnership

It was at Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson County where Emma Lee met her future husband, Earney Whitehurst Cayton. Earney, born on October 17, 1913, was the son of Linster and Sidney Dunn Cayton, and had grown up on a farm, completing three years of high school. He became a lifelong member of Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.

Earney was also a proud veteran of World War II, having enlisted on February 7, 1942, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After his service, he dedicated his life to farming, cultivating tobacco, corn, cotton, and raising hogs.

Their courtship blossomed, and with the blessings of Emma Lee's parents, they were married on July 11, 1945. For the occasion, Emma Lee wore a beautiful blue lace dress with white shoes and a white hat. Their honeymoon was a memorable two nights at the stylish Hotel Cherry, marking the beginning of their long and loving journey together.

Family Life, Faith, and Home

After their wedding, Emma Lee and Earney began their life together, initially residing with his family before establishing their own home. Earney dedicated himself to farming, and 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, her commitment shone through her various leadership roles within the women's auxiliary, including president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and hostess. She also diligently 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, from which Emma Lee meticulously canned many vegetables, and she diligently cared for the cow's milk, making fresh butter. They were blessed with three daughters:

• Nancy Cayton (born 1946)
• Jane Cayton (born 1948)
• Peggy Cayton (born 1950)

Emma Lee had a deep affection for 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.

Professional Life, Adventures, and Endearing Qualities

Emma Lee's friendly nature extended to 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 memorable trips with her brother Billie and his wife Jessie Mae, exploring places like 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).

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Earney Whitehurst Cayton passed away at the age of 92 on June 28, 2006. A lifelong farmer and veteran, he was laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Park.

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, North Carolina, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earney, a marriage of almost 61 years that 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 Billy 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.