A Life Remembered with Love
The Castleberry community is reeling after the heartbreaking news of the passing of Laura “Denese” Godwin Hadley, who was just 60 years old. Known affectionately as Denese, she was more than a name in the neighborhood—she was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and a soul who carried light into the lives of all she touched. Her sudden departure has left friends and family struggling to come to terms with a loss that feels too heavy, too soon.
The weight of her absence is already being felt deeply. For those closest to her, Denese’s life was filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering kindness that radiated everywhere she went. The pain of losing her is not only personal but collective, as Castleberry mourns the loss of someone who gave so much to others without asking for anything in return.
The Heartbreak of Sudden Loss
The news of Denese’s passing has left the community in shock. The reality that someone so full of warmth, compassion, and strength is suddenly gone is hard to accept. For family and friends, the heartbreak is indescribable, as memories now replace the presence of a woman who was always there with a smile, a helping hand, or words of encouragement.
Her passing is not only the end of a chapter in one family’s story—it is a wound felt by an entire town. Denese’s life was a reminder of what it means to be selfless, what it means to care deeply, and what it means to give love unconditionally. In losing her, Castleberry has lost a part of its heart.
Carrying Her Memory Forward
Even as grief overwhelms those who loved her, there is comfort in knowing that Denese’s spirit will never fade. The stories she leaves behind, the kindness she shared, and the lessons she taught through her actions will continue to live on in the lives she touched. While tears flow today, they are matched by the gratitude of having known someone as rare and special as Laura “Denese” Godwin Hadley.
In times like these, families and communities find strength in one another. Though nothing can replace the loss of Denese, those left behind can honor her memory by living with the same love, resilience, and compassion she carried so naturally. Her life, though cut too short, will remain a light that guides the hearts of those who knew her best.
