Mary Woodard Grant Goodwin, age 98, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.

Born in Wilson, North Carolina on Feb. 6, 1921, she was the daughter of the late John Henry Grant and Florence Woodard. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Everett Goodwin; great-grandson, Alex Ferrell; and sister, Margaret Grant O’Neal.

Mary retired from the N.C. Forestry Service after 25 years of service. She was a member of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandparent. She was also a devoted and active church member of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Wilson serving as Sunday School teacher, GA leader, Nursery leader and served on various committees. Upon their retirement to Emerald Isle, she was active in a local church there as well.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory, three daughters, Florence Goodwin Taylor and husband Lonnie, of Raleigh, Charlotte Goodwin Ferrell and husband Earl, of Rocky Mount, and Deborah Goodwin, of Columbia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Terri Taylor, Stephanie Taylor, Mary Taylor Clarke, Ken Ferrell, Don Ferrell, Brian Mercer and Lee Gallop; 19 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews who loved their “Aunt Woody;” and many other relatives and friends.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Mary will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Robin Fisher officiating. Burial will follow the service at Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at the home of Charlotte Ferrell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 3732 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.