Mary Goodwin

On June 28, 1934, Mary Goodwin was born to Jessie and Mittie Smith in Carthage, Mississippi. Mary received her formal education in Mississippi, before moving as a young woman to Chicago, Illinois. Mary's good humor and love of a good joke extended to all parts of her life, it allowed her to enjoy every part of her life. Mary was blessed with nine children. Taking the kids for a walk in the cold because no matter what the temperature, her kids needed fresh aid and exercise, going to an amusement park and riding all the cool roller coasters., watching all the kids in the neighborhood fall silent as mom hit the ball further and ran faster than everybody else, fishing, dancing, and cooking are just some of the unforgettable memories the family share. Some of her favorite thing were ice cream in winter, animals and her doll collection, which includes porcelain dolls and twenty-nine Barbies. Her love of God led her to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. After a careful study of the Bible Mary dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized that dedication through water baptism in June of 1972. She loved the ministry and always relied on Jehovah in all aspects of her life believing Psalms 37:39 "And the salvation of the righteous one is from Jehovah; He is their fortress in the time of distress." Her pioneer ministry teachings others about Jehovah's kingdom was the center of her life. Mary had the privilege of attending the pioneer service school in her over twenty years of service as a regular pioneer. On January 21, 2012, Mary Goodwin fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sylvester Goodwin; six brothers, Mose Smith, RL Smith, Dan Smith, Milton Smith, Harvey Smith and Robert Smith. Mary Goodwin will be deeply missed by all who knew her but especially her sister, Jessie Mae Stokes; children, Stella Louise Smith, Julius Addison, Wanda Washington, Vounda Ann Levy, Donny Lynn (Earl) Rodgers, James Johnson, Darryl Johnson, Gregory (Tracie) Johnson and Vanessa Baker; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a spiritual family too numerous to mention.

Tributes

Mary Goodwin

June 28, 1934 - January 21, 2012