CASTLEBERRY, Ala. — The Castleberry community is mourning the passing of Laura “Denese” Godwin Hadley, who died peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the age of 60, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born June 11, 1965, Denese was a lifelong resident of Castleberry. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mason Godwin and Mary “Bonnie” Ballard; her daughter, Dakota Jenese Murrell; her brother, William “Bill” Godwin; and her nephew, Cory Godwin.
She is survived by her husband, Carl Hadley; siblings, Maxine Miller, Sherry Aaron, and Keith Godwin; her daughter, Nikki (Caleb) Stewart; stepchildren, Anthony (April) Hadley and Tiffany (Jeremy) Clifton; and her cherished grandchildren: Karter Simmons, Owen Simmons, Aubrey Hadley, Laikyn Clifton, Noah Hadley, Amelia Stewart, Easton Hadley, Liam Clifton, and Hayes Stewart. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
A memorial service will be held at Williams Memorial Chapel on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Family visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m., general visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service from 11 a.m. to noon. A graveside service will take place at Buffington Cemetery, next to Conecuh County Junior High School in Castleberry.
Serving as pallbearers will be Karter Simmons, Paul Stewart, Cody Gipson, Jackson Gipson, Anthony Hadley, and Jeremy Clifton.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to D.W. McMillan Home Health, My Brother’s Keeper Home Care, and Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care during Denese’s final months.