Bishop Goodwin spent most of his formative years in the South but after enlisting into the US Army in 1943, he went to represent his country in World War II. He served for 3 years and then returned home and married Jean Suchia. They were married on October 31, 1946 in Baltimore Maryland. They were a young couple excited about their new life and striking out on their own. Jean was pursuing her interest in being a midwife at the Red Cross Home Nursing School while Bishop Goodwin pursued his entrepreneurial endeavors as a cab driver in the evenings and a life guard at the Carr’s Beach.
Soon, Bishop Goodwin, his wife Jean, and 2 little children (Simeon and Agnes) were encouraged to come back to Ohio for better opportunity in a place where Jean’s parents had raised her. In Loveland, Ohio, Bishop Goodwin built a beautiful home for his new family on the property previously owned by Jean’s father and mother. After securing a good job at General Motors in Norwood, Ohio, Bishop Goodwin continued to work hard. He grew his family to 8 children (Dr. Simeon Clark Goodwin, Agnes Goodwin, Thomas Goodwin Jr., Jephthah Goodwin, Peter Goodwin, Malachi Goodwin, Zechariah Goodwin, and Kezia Goodwin.)
Over the years while raising such a big family, he consistently emphasized the importance of being the best person you could be. He taught how to be kind to people and to make sure they were treated fair and their needs were met. That was Bishop Goodwin’s entire life purpose, serving God, giving to others and encouraging individuals beyond their own self assigned limitations.
Bishop Goodwin was an ordained minister in the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob Inc. from 1959-1973. Then in 1973, he was consecrated to the Bishopric. He was the Pastor and overseer of many local churches here in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Kentucky as well mentoring pastors and bringing vision and hope with each one of his visits.
Bishop Goodwin also knew how important it was to be in school and to get a good education. After raising 8 children, he returned to school to get his GED and then began to attend the University of Cincinnati, Raymond Walters College. Although he did not complete a degree he was noted the oldest student there, and inspired many to return to school, stating “You’re never too old to learn”.
He was preceded in death by his father Paul Goodwin, his mother Rebecca McNeil, his wife Jean H. Goodwin, his son Malachi Goodwin, his brother Clark Goodwin, his sisters, Ana Lois and Esther, his nieces Leah and Rebecca.
His great work as a father, minister and mentor will never end as he is survived by his children, Dr. Simeon Clark Goodwin of Loveland, Ohio, Agnes Goodwin of Milford, Texas, Thomas Goodwin Jr. of Dallas, Texas, Jephthah Goodwin (April Goodwin), Peter Goodwin, Dallas, Texas, Zechariah Goodwin (Komika) of Milford, Texas and Kezia Goodwin of Las Vegas, Nevada; His 16 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. His brother Willie Brown (Patsy Brown) of Indiana. His sisters, Naomi Brown of Cincinnati, Ohio, Evangeline Youman (John) of Cincinnati, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be held on Saturday July 22, 2017 at 1:00 pm at The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob Inc. in Coshocton Ohio, 25719 Township Road 39, Coshocton, Ohio 43812.
The family wishes to thank all for their thoughts and condolences.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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