Matthew Littleton Godette, Jr. whom we affectionately knew as "Sonny" of Petersburg, VA  formerly Suffolk, VA entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center.  He was born to the late Matthew L. Godette, Sr. and Cornelia S. Godette in Beaufort, North Carolina on October 26, 1935.

Sonny was educated in the public schools of Beaufort, North Carolina. At a young age, he joined St. Stephen Congregational Christian Church and was very involved with church ministries, setting the foundation for a life of service to others.

Following his high school graduation, Sonny proudly served in the United States Army, traveling extensively throughout Europe.  After completing his tour of duty, he attended Elizabeth City Teachers College (now Elizabeth City State University), where he graduated in 1960. His entire teaching career was devoted to the Portsmouth School System, where he inspired generations of students until his retirement in 1991.

It was during his college years that Sonny met the love of his life, Marian. They were united in Holy Matrimony on August 11, 1962, and shared over 60 beautiful years together until her passing in 2023. From this loving union, they were blessed with one son, Wayne. Marian often said Sonny was "one in a million," a sentiment shared by all who knew him.

In 1995, Sonny became a member of First Baptist Church Bute Street, where he served faithfully in the Tutorial Ministry, Soup Kitchen, Children's Church and on the board for Shepherd's Village.

Sonny was an extraordinary husband, father and friend.  He lived for his family, attending Wayne's tennis matches, Little League Games, school and church activities with unwavering pride and joy. His warmth extended far beyond his immediate circle; anyone who crossed his path was touched by his kind and generous spirit. He found joy in helping others quietly, without expectation of recognition.

For many years, Sonny was Boy Scout Master for Troop 49, guiding and mentoring young men with patience, dedication, and care.  He was a faithful member of the American Red Cross and held memberships in the United States Tennis and Golf Associations.  A lifelong sports enthusiast, Sonny loved most sports - especially playing golf with his buddies. During his college years, he excelled in both baseball and basketball.

After the passing of the love of his life, Marian, Sonny made the decision to live with his niece Cheryl in Petersburg, VA. Although he cherished his life in Suffolk, Petersburg quickly became his second home. Surrounded by a close-knit village there was never a shortage of visits, phone calls, cards, shared jokes or words of encouragement.

Life without Marian would never be the same and he missed her deeply every day.  Yet, Sonny continued to embrace life by passing the time watching the sports channel, dining at his favorite restaurants, and going to the movies. He cherished his trips to Detroit to visit his youngest brother Melton and sister-in-law Sandy. At home, he even learned how to request some of his favorite songs on Alexa – especially "One in a Million" and Doris Day's "Two Coins in a Fountain."  Sonny loved sharing stories about his time in Europe during his military service, his beloved hometown of Beaufort, NC, his college days, family memories and the many life lessons he gathered over the years. He treasured visits from family and friends, particularly those from Hampton Roads and the surprise visits from his great niece and great nephew, which always brought a twinkle to his eye.

Sonny's life was a living example of love, service, and faith. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and in the cherished memories he leaves behind.

Sonny was preceded in death by parents, Matthew  Sr. and Cornelia Godette; brothers, Edmon Godette and Robert Godette; sisters, Sylvia Godette-Barbee, Doris Godette Hill-Carter and Bessie Godette; nephews, Edmon D. Godette, Edward D. Hamilton and Donnell Barbee, Jr.; niece, Agnes Hill-Hendricks-Webster; and the love of his life, Marian R. Godette.

Sonny leaves to cherish his memories are son, Wayne L. Godette (Rycy) of Virginia Beach; brother, Melton Godette (Sandy) of Detroit MI, nieces, Cheryl C. Williams, of Petersburg, VA, Annette Godette-Watts of Cincinnati, OH, Janice Godette of Atlanta, GA,  Lisa R. Kirkland (Donovan) of Kennesaw, GA, Marian Barbee-Gehring (Michael) of Bryantown of MD, Shirley Barbee of Baltimore, MD, Julia Hill-Cain (Samuel) of Weems, VA, Cornelia Hill-Morton(Aaron) of Fairfax, VA, Angela Godette-Grant (Michael) of Cincinnati, OH, Ryan Spivey of Farmington Hills, MI, and Chelsea Godette of Southfield, MI; nephews, Anthony Godette (Karen) of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Hill of Richmond, VA, Edmon Hill, Sr.,of Henrico, VA, Melton Godette, Jr. (Navarsha) of Romulus, MI, Mylan Godette (Brittiney) of Taylor, MI, and Malcolm Watts of Detroit, MI; goddaughter, Krystle Godette-Coldiron of Buford, GA; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. He will also dearly be missed by his treasured childhood friends: John Jones of Washington, NC, William Jordan of Glenwood, MD, Floyd Hill of Moorehead City, NC, Ray Fenderson of Danville, VA; and his cousin, Eric Teel of Port Orange, FL.

"Grant, O Lord, to Matthew eternal peace and rest, and let Thy light shine upon him".

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, August 23, 2025, at The Historic First Baptist Church, 418 East Bute Street, Norfolk, VA, the Rev. Jerry Holmes, Senior Pastor, eulogist. The interment will be private.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 22, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

It is with Sonny's spirit of giving and love for education, donations can be made to The READY Academy Christian School, 418 E. Bute St. Norfolk, VA 23510.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com and also be streamed live at https://www.firstbaptistnorfolk.org/ click Streaming select Live Stream – YouTube.