Laura B Goodly

In 1954, she married Nolton Goodly and bore three children, Beverly, Nathan, and Kevin. Nolton and Laura moved to California in 1962. They lived in Rialto, CA for 30 years, and then spent their retirement years in Cherry Valley, CA.

Laura was employed by San Bernardino County Probation Department for 28 years. She was the fourth African American female hired as a probation officer. She retired in 1995.

Laura was a founding member of two organizations that she ardently promoted and cherished, Inland Empire Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), and Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #257, where she was a 4th Degree Lady of Grace.

Laura was a member of the Diocese of San Bernardino Assembly for Catholics of African Descent. She was a faithful member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Beaumont, California, serving as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and elderly. Most importantly, Laura believed in the power of prayer, and for 35 years she gave prayer books to those she met.

Laura enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends and was known for cooking traditional Southwest Louisiana cuisine including gumbo and making boudin sausages. Her favorite desserts to bake were carrot cakes and apple cakes.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Nolton Goodly; parents Edwin and Eugenia Victorian; siblings Mary LeMelle, Phillip, Fred, and Harry Victorian.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her three children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.