Mrs. Melba Jo (Harper) Goodman

Sister Melba Harper Goodman transitioned to her Heavenly home on September 27, 2024. She was born on September 1, 1935 to Asper and Cloetile Harper, Sr. in Dallas, Texas. Sister Melba’s mother passed away when she was 14, and she helped her father raise her sister and four brothers, all while going to school and managing the household.

Sister Melba was educated in the Dallas Public School District, graduating from Lincoln High School at the age of 16. After high school, Sister Melba went on to attend Texas Southern University where she graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Sister Goodman would later obtain a Master of Divinity Degree from Vision International Biblical College and was a licensed Chaplain. Her professional career included employment with Western Union, Ashland Oil Corporation, and Exxon/Mobil Company where she worked as an Executive Secretary until she retired.

Sister Melba met the love of her life, Dan Goodman, Sr. while at Texas Southern University. They were

married July 14, 1957, and enjoyed 54 and a half years of marriage. To this union was born 7 children

who they loved dearly and raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Sister Melba loved God and served Him passionately both before her marriage and then alongside her husband, Bishop Dan E. Goodman, Sr. In addition to her role as first lady, Sister Goodman served in many capacities. She was director of the Youth Department for many years, and also served as director for Vacation bible school during summer months. She taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Sister Goodman particularly enjoyed her role as Announcement Clerk during which time she would offer a “Thought for the day” to encourage and uplift the members. Sister Goodman, along with her husband started and led a Senior’s Ministry at the church. Sister Goodman was an active member of the Church of the Living God Citywide Mission for many years until her health prevented her.

Sister Melba was a remarkable, anointed, compassionate lady who gave of herself freely and selflessly to her family, her church, and anyone she knew who had a need. She embodied Matthew 13:35-36 NIV, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’”. She was a prayer warrior and avid reader of God’s Word. Not a day went by when she was not found praying, reading, and studying. Sister Goodman believed that we should give God a tithe of our day (2hours and 40 minutes) every day, and she did just that. She used to tell us, “If you give God His time, He’ll give you time for everything that you “think” you have to do”.

Sister Melba Goodman was preceded in death by her husband, Bishop Dan E. Goodman Sr,; parents, Asper and Cloetile Harper; brothers, William Harper, Eddie Randall, McElwee Harper, and Asper Harper, Jr, and her sister, Barbara Ann Harper.

She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy sons, Dan(Penny)E. Goodman, Jr, Stephen Goodman, Larry Goodman and Kenneth Goodman; daughters, Stephanie Anderson, Danita Goodman, and Tina (Bennie) Swain; sons, 6 grandchildren; Darren Goodman, Erica (Larry, Jr.) Hargrove, and Victoria Pope, Ciarra (Prentiss III) Davis, Mona Lisa (Markeith) Russell, and Aspen (Calvin, Jr.) Lee; 17 great-grandchildren; Lariah, Larry III, LaDerrick and Landon Hargrove, Maylah, Melody, Macie, and Myah Russell, Leianna, Calvin III, and Brook Lee, Prentiss Davis IV, and Courtland, Kai, Phoenix, Leah and Jenesis; God-given grandsons Reggie Turner, Justin Buchanan, Jarvis Buchanan, God-given granddaughter, Latoyia Carpenter; God-given great grandchildren, Tori and Gabriel Carpenter and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.