Ann Eloise Harris Goodson was born on May 9, 1940 to the late Clarence and Gladys Harris. To many, she was Ann. To family she was "Gold piece / Goldie." As a child she was told she was more valuable than a piece of gold.
She graduated from North Highland High School in 1959 where she was the Salutatorian for her class and attended Alabama State University with the aspiration to become an educator. On October 1, 1961, she united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Napoleon Goodson, Jr. To this union of 58 years, seven children were born.
Goldie lived her life out LOUD! First, as a cafeteria worker for the Autauga County School System where she diligently served for a number of years. Secondly, she often assisted her mother at First Presbyterian Church, Prattville, AL where she was the sexton. Eventually, along side her husband, she accepted the position full time for more than 50 years of combined service. Goldie had a true servant's heart, demonstrated through her service as an Eastern Star, St. Mary's Chapter # 20.
After joining the Historic Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church at an early age, Sister Goodson served faithfully until she was called home to be with the Lord! Throughout the years she was a member of the Senior Usher Board and Benevolence Committee. Her more recent position included The Ella Taylor Mass Choir, Pray Warrior Ministry and the Steward Board. Goldie also walked in the footsteps of her beloved mother, continuing the legacy of president of the Women's Missionary Society.
As the matriarch, she continued to nurture her children even after adulthood, She enjoyed cooking for the weekly family dinner on Sunday where everyone gathers for food and fellowship. Her undisputed specialties were pound cakes, chicken salad, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread dressing. For the past few years, she turned that responsibility over to her beloved husband. She had a dream and passion for interior design and her home was her portfolio. For more than four decades, she enjoyed fellowshipping with her Christmas Club family and friends twice a month: Barbara Broadnax, Debra Broadnax, Raven Broadnax, Shakira Broadnax, Tlidia Foy, Carla Davis, Cheryl Mims, Patriia Harris, Alexa Mims. Each meeting was consumed with laughter and simply spending time catching up on family news.
Goldie departed this earthly home on Thursday, December 19, 2019. She was preceded in death by four sisters: Percy Lee McNeal, Ollie Williams Brazzley, Carrie Lee Williams, and Genie Ruth Marshall; ten brothers: Graham Davis, Oscar Harris, Dan Davis, William Davis, Rex Harriis, Henry Harris, James Rueben "Red" Harris, Hercules Davis, Ellis Harris, and Clarence Harris, Jr.; and a son in-law, Darryl Davis.
Remaining to cherish a lifetime of memories; her dedicated and supportive covenant partner in marriage of 58 years, Napoleon Goodson III; three sons: Terry (Delores) Goodson, Cedric Goodson, and Napoleon (Belvelyn Ford) Goodson III, all of Prattville, AL; four daughters: Patricia Harris, Prattville, AL, Cheryl (Alexander) Mims, Millbrook, AL, Carla Goodson Davis, Prattville, AL and Tanya (Derrick) McClain, Ramer, AL; a loving and devoted grandson, Nathan Jamil Harris, Prattville, AL, two Sisters, Gladys Gipson, Prattville, AL and Mary Ellen Nunn, Chicago, IL; three sister-in-law: Yvonne Goodson Bates, Prattville, AL, Annette (Booker) Harris, Tuskegee, AL; Mary Virginia Harris, Prattville, AL; one uncle, Elmon Goodson, San Franciso, CA; grandchildren who loved and admired her dearly: Joshua Goodson, John Dixon, Alexa Mims, Kimberly Hodges, Sabrena Cooper Nixon, Sequoria Goodson, Demetria Goodson, Kirsten Stroud, Nicole Coleman, Malena McClain, Laila McClain, Jeremy Goodson, Bryan Thomas, Ivory Bates, Napoleon Goodson IV, Alexander J. Mims, Ameltria (Carlos) Burns; great-grandchildren: Brandi Smith, Kymiah Hodges, Amiya Demetria Burns, Madison Wood, Bailey wood; a nephew considered a grandson, Anthony Wood, a loving nephew, Charles Gipson, who chauffeured she and her sisters regularly so that they remained in contact; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
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