Kay Godbey

Kay Godbey

December 25, 2025

Kay Helen Godbey was born on January 18, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Burleson, Texas, where she also served as City Manager. Kay passed peacefully on Christmas Day at 7:10 p.m. after suffering a stroke, at the age of 79.

A true trailblazer in the field of city management, Kay was among the first women to serve as a city manager in the region. She retired from public service in 2001 and continued her lifelong pursuit of education, earning a PhD in Philosophy with a focus on Public and Urban Administration. She later shared her knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Kay is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Denise Thompson James and Shelly Rae Thompson Klein; her sister, Glenda Godbey; and her three grandchildren, Audie Joseph Black, Brian Keith Bird, and Sara Rae Klein, plus one great-grandchild, Colton Jet Black.

Kay loved her family fiercely. She found joy in gardening, family, her dogs, and tiny living. A mentor to many and an inspiration to all who knew her, Kay will be deeply missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Russell Farms in Burleson, Tx on January 16, at 2 p.m. The address is 405 W County Rd 714, Burleson, TX 76028.