Veda Arentha Godwin

Roses for Mom

If roses grow in Heaven. Lord, please pick a bunch for us. Place them in our mother's arms and tell her they're from us. Tell her we love her and miss her and when she turns to smile place a kiss upon her cheek and hold for a while. Because remembering her is easy. We do it every day, but there's an ache within our heart that will never go away.

Veda Arentha Diggs Godwin 65, answered the call of our Lord and Savior and departed this life on Sunday, March 30, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family in Portsmouth, VA.

Veda Arentha Diggs was born on May 24, 1959, in Suffolk, to the late Hanford "Sam" Saunders and Bernice Louise Diggs. She was lovingly raised by her stepfather, James Lee Diggs, Jr. As the eldest of six children, she was cherished by her parents, siblings, and all who knew her. Veda spent her formative years in Suffolk and graduated from Smithfield High School in June 1977.

Later in life, she moved to Newport News, Virginia, where she resided for over thirty years. During this time, she married Larry A. Godwin, and from this union, her beloved son, Larry Jorel Godwin, was born. Veda was a devoted mother to both her children, DeVeda Chanel Diggs and Larry Jorel Godwin. She dedicated twenty-seven years of service to AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) before retiring in 2014.

Veda accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She was a former member of Campbell Chapel AME Church and First Baptist Denbigh before becoming an active member of Diamond Grove Baptist Church. At Diamond Grove, she used her extraordinary cooking talents to bless others, playing a vital role in the meal ministry. She spent countless hours preparing and delivering meals to the elderly and shut-in, often working late into Saturday nights to ensure timely deliveries on Sunday. Her devotion to serving others extended beyond the church, as she was known for feeding not just her congregation, but her community and family as well. Her famous potato salad, chicken salad, and savory roast were loved by many.

Veda was preceded in death by her father, Hanford "Sam" Saunders; stepfather, James Lee Diggs, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Walter and Bernice Ensley; maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Chapman; and paternal grandparents, Rev. James Lee Diggs, Sr., and Alice Diggs.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: DeVeda Chanel Diggs and Larry Jorel Godwin; two granddaughters, Endya and Kamrynn Godwin; her mother, Louise Diggs-Bagner; stepmother, Betty Saunders; six loving sisters: Chenita "Pattycake" Wells (Herbert), Pacquita "Pooh" Ford (Reginald), Leticia "Cookie" Diggs, Danielle "Sheda" Diggs, Lisa Saunders James (Tavares) and Michelle Saunders; four devoted brothers: James "Kim" Diggs, Hanford "Hank" Saunders Jr., Jerry Saunders, and Noah Saunders (Aja). Veda was deeply loved by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, all of whom she cherished dearly. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for family and community will forever be remembered.

The family will receive friends and visitors at the times and locations below. Thank you.

Visitation:

• Thursday, April 3rd: 4 PM - 8 PM at the residence of Chanel Diggs

• Friday, April 4th: 4 PM - 8 PM at the residence of Chanel Diggs

• Saturday, April 5th: 12 PM - 5 PM at the residence of Louise Diggs

*Chanel Diggs Address: 3616 Bart Street, Portsmouth Va 23707

*Louise Diggs Address: 5672 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk Va 23434

In loving memory, we kindly ask that attendees wear a shade of pink on the day of the Celebration of Life. Thank you.

On Sunday, April 06, 2025 viewing will take place from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00pm Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Chapel. Interment will follow the service in the Oakland Cemetery, Suffolk. Please keep the Diggs-Godwin family in your prayers.