Daelyn Brock Godfrey, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student from Rome, Georgia, died on September, 2026, leaving his family, friends and the Rome Middle School community facing the heartbreaking loss of a young life. Rome City Schools described his death as a “tragic loss” and made counselors and support staff available to students and staff struggling to process his sudden passing. His obituary confirms his death and remembers him as a boy with a personality all his own.
Born in Rome on October 15, 2012, Daelyn was a curious and adventurous child who loved discovering new things. He enjoyed playing Minecraft and baseball, climbing trees and rocks, reading, spending time with animals and watching thunderstorms, especially the flashes of lightning. His family also remembered his love for cheeseburgers, his playful sense of humor and his habit of wearing a hoodie and gym shorts regardless of the weather.
At Rome Middle School, Daelyn was a member of the marching band, where he played tenor saxophone. He was also involved with the youth group at West Rome Baptist Church, where he spent time with friends. His obituary portrays him as someone who did not simply follow the crowd, describing him as a “pioneer in his own way” who was always willing to learn something different and find his own path.
Daelyn’s family was at the center of his life. He is survived by his parents, Matthew and Shannon Godfrey, his sisters Sterling and Makenley, his grandparents Lamar and Darlene Godfrey, Ken and Marjorie Howard, and Keith and Maxine Thompson, as well as his aunt Ashley Howard, extended family and friends. His dog, Tillie Mae, was also especially dear to him, and his family recalled the special affection he had for her.
The family will gather with friends and members of the community for Daelyn’s visitation and Celebration of Life on October 4 at West Rome Baptist Church. They have asked those attending to wear their favorite hoodie in his memory, a fitting tribute to the clothing that became part of his unmistakable style. The family has also requested that, in lieu of flowers, people purchase a Bible and share it with someone in need. Daelyn’s cause of death has not been publicly released, but his life is already being remembered through his music, humor, curiosity, love of animals and the many small things that made him uniquely himself.
