Mary Jo Goodson Gooden

Born to Judge Joe F. Goodson and Nellie M. Goodson on August 19, 1926, Mary Jo began her lifelong passions of teaching, writing, painting, reading, meeting new friends all in her quest to live well and to the maximum.

Growing up on Goodson Avenue in White Oak, she was surrounded by loving parents, uncles, aunts and cousins, her beautiful sister N. Kate Goodson Smith and brilliant brother, Samuel Morgan Goodson.

A member of the City High Class of 1944, Mary Jo was part of a magnificent group of lifelong friends. The many functions held over the years were very important in Mary Jo’s life.

Kappa Delta Sorority at the University of Chattanooga was the next step. As Mary Jo completed her education, she became an educator, teaching for over 30 years in Hamilton County as well as Sevier Country, retiring from Sam P. McConnell Elementary.

Then L. Kimble Gooden arrived and on June 19, 1948, their love for one another was enjoyed by everyone they met. Alice Suzanne arrived, Joseph Floyd arrived, and then came Samuel Kimble, three very fortunate children.

An Episcopalian since 1964, Mary Jo enjoyed St. Peter’s choir, altar guild, and flower guild. Her move to St. Paul’s would include the same activities, as well as St. Anne’s Guild, parish Life Committee, and a lector. All the Gooden family deeply appreciates all clergy who have shepherded us over the years, Tom Carson, Hallie Warren, Samuel Payne, Charlie Rice, Hunter Huckabay, Donald Fishburne, Suzanne Smitherman, Andy Olivo, Quinn Parman, Bob Leopold and all supporting staff.

Mary Jo is now enjoying her heavenly family. Her earthly family will certainly feel her absence, including Joe (Karan), Sam, grandchildren, Aaron and Anna Waychoff, Christopher (Katie) Gooden, great grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Gooden, along with nieces, nephews, in laws (Floyd Smith, Eleanor, and Nancy Goodson) and special cousin Alice Ottinger. Our own special aunt Agnes Rudd, for you we are forever grateful. The hands that make Memorial Hospital so exceptional, Dr. Mary Hammock, we thank you.

As our little mother enters the Kingdom of Heaven, we rejoice in our time with her. Her love, life lessons, caring and passion for life will last for eternity.

A celebration of life will occur at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 West 7th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, at 2 pm on Saturday, November 8, 2014 with Father Donald Fishburne and staff officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 pm on Saturday at the church following the service.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo’s name to Outreach Ministries at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.