Estelle Gofton is known by many names. To some she was Jerry Gofton's "Bride", others called her “Mother” or “Mom”, and still others called her Granny, Mrs. G, Mama G, or Miss Estelle. No matter what you called her, if you knew her, you loved her.
Estelle was born December 7, 1931 in Randolph, Alabama to George and Maude Thompson. She was the third of their 4 four daughters - Esther, Elizabeth, (Estelle) and Joyce. She met her husband, Jerry, and they married in June 1947. Ever the proud Marine Corp wife, they had 3 children, Nanci, Richard, and Michelle, while she lovingly supported her husband’s military career.
After Jerry’s retirement from the USMC, they moved to Homestead, FL and spent many years. Estelle worked as a church secretary during that season of retirement. She and Jerry opened their home as host and hostess to many young men and women from Homestead Air Force Base. Mr. and Mrs. G were known to serve Sunday dinner after church and offer the young people comforts of home. While Mr. G was the king of the grill, Mrs. G was the queen of the kitchen. Her coleslaw and apple pie are still frequently requested dishes by family and friends!
The Goftons spent the nineties living in Iowa after Hurricane Andrew chased them away from Florida. Estelle faithfully served her family, her church, and the community during this season.
Jerry and Estelle moved to Memphis in 2000, and settled in their new church home of Ellendale Baptist Church. Estelle used her love of her children and grandchildren to bless other families there. She worked in the Mother’s Day Out Program, rocking, changing, and playing with babies. Estelle also delighted in the opportunity she had to go on a trip to Kenya, to do mission work with her fellow congregants. She was a consistent volunteer in Ellendale’s prayer room. Estelle spent many years enjoying the fellowship and friendships found there.
Estelle is survived by children, Nanci (Don) Weldon, Michelle (Terry) Jones and daughter-in-law Judie (Richard) Gofton; grandchildren, Amanda (Brian) Cannon, Bonnee (Cody) Markham, Steven Gofton, Jim Gofton, Nick Gofton, Matthew (Chrissy) Jones, and Jenelle (Josh) Westbrook; great-grandchildren Malia (Kalab) Bryant, Jared and Caden Jacobs, Jordan and Camden Kauffman, Emma and Harper Markham, Lily Jones, Lydia, Ruth, and Ezekiel Westbrook, August and Oliver Jones.
Estelle is preceded in death by her husband Jerry; two sisters, Elizabeth Jones and Esther Berryhill; son, Richard Gofton; grandchildren, Kelli Kauffman and Philip Jones; and great-grandson, William Markham.
Her faith and love for Jesus and the Bible were never wavering. She will live on in our hearts and minds as the prayer warrior that God sent to bless us all.
You will be missed!
