ABILENE - Linda Mahler Godfrey, 84, passed peacefully surrounded by her family into the arms of her Savior on Jan. 16, 2026. Linda was born on July 7, 1941, to Gus and Virginia Mahler in San Angelo. She spent her early years in Garden City, and on the ranch in Harper, where she cherished so many great memories. They settled in Junction where Linda graduated high school in 1959. Following her graduation, she earned a degree in nursing from San Angelo College.
On Apr. 2, 1961, she married Mickey Lee Cavaness in Junction. After residing in Sinton, Fredericksburg, and Tucson, Arizona, they made Junction their permanent home. She worked for Junction National Bank, Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Dennis Blackburn, and finally TxDot. During her time in Junction, her proudest moment was becoming the first woman elected to the Junction ISD School Board, paving the way for many women to follow.
Following Mickey’s death in 1987, life would lead Linda on a new adventure. In life, not too many people have the opportunity to find love again. Fortunately for Linda, she found love with Jerry Godfrey of Early. They married on May 12, 1989, and made their home in Early, eventually moving to Abilene. Linda and Jerry both retired from TxDot and enjoyed various adventures traveling in their R.V. She loved to see the country where they made numerous memories and new friends. One of her most memorable journeys was a trip to the Holy Land, where she and Jerry were baptized in the Jordan River. She also enjoyed crafting and making custom cards for their church, family and friends. Linda was a member of Wylie Baptist Church in Abilene.
Linda is survived by her husband Jerry Godfrey of Abilene; son Coby Cavaness (Carolyn) of Pflugerville; daughter Lesley Wilmeth (Randal) of Lubbock; son Guy Godfrey of Austin; granddaughter Candi Pfluger (Joey) of Ballinger; granddaughter, Brittany Winnett (Jake) of Joplin, Missouri; grandson Tucker Cavaness of Pflugerville; granddaughter, Hannah Shah (Raj) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Kirsten Wilmeth Beckett of Fayetteville; sister, Judy Dunagan (Dennis) of Junction; sister, Debi Molesworth (Lynn Hill) of Junction; 6 great grandchildren; and special friends, Nora Tinney and Pastor Darrin Ray of Abilene.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gus and Virginia Mahler; spouse Mickey Cavaness; and daughter Carla Geanan Cavaness Nelson.