Vickie’s life was a beautiful, multifaceted kaleidoscope, and she left her footprint on every part of her journey. As she moved through her days, Vickie was always learning and broadening her horizons. Beloved by seemingly everyone who made her acquaintance, she excelled at being a mother, grandmother, teacher, coach, athlete, and church member.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Annette and Arthur Weaver, she moved with her family to Nashville, Tennessee, where she became a nationally ranked swimmer, eventually making it to the Olympic Trials in 200 Meter breaststroke. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she met her late husband William Ward Goodlett, Jr.
After graduation, she spent time teaching in Charleston and Atlanta before settling in Greenville with Bill. They had two children Teresa Annette and William Ward, III. After spending several years as a stay-at-home mother, she began teaching again. First at Mauldin High, then Greenville High.
As the Latin teacher at Greenville High School for nearly three decades, Vickie forged lifelong friendships with coworkers and students alike. They remember both her love for her subject and her even greater love for people. She hosted toga parties for her Latin students, took them to the JCL state as well as national Latin conventions, and documented their successes with her camera. She founded the GHS swim team and coached for many years, then became the assistant coach and backbone of the team. She wrote poems for senior swimmers and retirees alike, showering them with lavish gifts. Her generosity knew no bounds.
Vickie cherished being a mother and grandmother. After retirement, she spent her days doting on her grandchildren, gardening, and being an involved member of the congregation of St. Anthony of Padua. In 2022, she completed a long-time goal when she illustrated the picture book The Gooney Otter. But the most important feature of her life centered in her heart. Loving, forgiving, compassionate, selfless - just a few words to describe her. She was truly a good person, to the core.
Vickie was predeceased by Arthur and Annette Weaver, parents, and Bruce Weaver, brother. She is survived by daughter Teresa Strait (Will), son Will Goodlett (Gabrielle), and grandchildren Sidney Strait, Jude Strait, and Gabrielle Goodlett, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
When news of her illness reached her family, we all approached the hospital with dread and sadness. What we experienced was a testament of faith rarely seen. She lifted us up! Her conversations were positive and encouraging--she made us realize that she was not afraid, and that she was ready to make the journey to her Lord. May Vickie’s memory be eternal.
Services for Vickie will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 307 Gower St, Greenville, SC 29611 on Friday, May 3, 2024. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM followed by the funeral at 1:30 PM.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Dr. Greenville SC 29609.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 307 Gower St, Greenville, SC 29611 or the American Cancer Society.
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