ANNETTE GODFREY

Annette Godfrey

U. S. Army Combat Veteran

The Journey of Annette Godfrey, began as a therapeutic outlet, soon blossomed into a thriving creative business, a proud Desert Storm combat veteran whose strength, creativity, and resilience turned healing into entrepreneurship. After serving in the U.S. Army and deploying to the desert during Operation Desert Storm, Annette found comfort in creating designing T-shirts as a way to process and reflect on her journey.

That creative spark became Not Only Tees, a custom apparel brand rooted in purpose and passion. As her designs gained popularity among friends and family, encouragement turned into demand and a business was born.

Annette’s inspiring journey has been featured on Fox News Midday and TAAN-TV (The African American Network Television), where she shared how her creative passion grew into a brand. Not Only Tees represents more than custom tees it symbolizes purpose, perseverance, empowerment, and community.

In addition to Not Only Tees, but Annette is also a multifaceted entrepreneur and community leader, with a legacy of meaningful contributions:

· Former Owner of Locket Up with Charms and CTC Unlimited, where she explored creative business ventures

· Previously Certified Travel Agent, helping clients create lasting memories through personalized travel experiences

· Community Engagement Committee Member with the Putt Away Cancer Foundation, supporting outreach and advocacy

· Dedicated Volunteer and Mentor, committed to empowering women and teenage girls through service and support

Annette proudly served 8 years in the U.S. Army, including combat duty during Operation Desert Storm. Born to proud Panamanian parents who migrated to Brooklyn, NY, in 1955, she attended Brooklyn College and now lives in Texas with her beloved husband, Warren Godfrey. She is a devoted mother of three, a loving bonus mom to two, and a proud grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of four.

Annette Godfrey’s journey reminds us that purpose can grow from pain, and when passion meets service, the possibilities are endless. A powerful reminder that even from life’s battles on and off the field can come beauty, purpose, and lasting impact.