Mary Haskins Gooding

Mary Willie Haskins Gooding, 95, of Havelock, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at home. Mary was born August 9, 1926 in Trenton, North Carolina, to the late Roland and Carrie Mae Griffin Haskins. Upon the passing of her mother at age two and a half, Mary went to live with her mother’s brother, William, and his wife Hannah Griffin who raised her as one of their own. She attended Trenton High School and the Raleigh School of Commerce. For a brief time she worked for Carolina Telephone and Telegraph in Kinston, NC during World War II.

It was love at first sight for Mary and her husband, Tom, whom she had known from the age of four. They eventually married on November 8, 1942 in Dillon, South Carolina.

Mary had a lifelong passion of helping people and in 1950, completed courses in Nurses Aide Services with the American Red Cross of Craven County. She also served her community and was active for years in the Havelock Garden Club where she served as President from 1970 to 1971. She was a member of the Eastern Start and a long serving member of the Cherry Point Baptist Church in Havelock.

While Tom was the love of Mary’s life, she had another great love: sports. Mary was a huge sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching baseball, basketball and of course, football. Her family can recall extensive “coaching” provided while watching games with her at home. She was a particular supporter of UNC-Chapel Hill and ECU, both schools her husband attended, and was a faithful cheerleader to her sons’ multiple sporting activities. Off the field, Mary was an avid bridge player and cherished the time she spent with her friends.

Most will remember Mary for her loving spirit and inexhaustible support of her loved ones. As her mother died young, Mary succeeded to the matriarch role early in life and relished it. She was known to host a variety of family gatherings and reunions. She never missed a birthday or anniversary, you could always count on a call and a card.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Carnie C. Gooding, Jr and his wife Ginger of Greensboro, NC, son Charles C. Gooding and his wife Dena of Beaufort, NC, and son Chris C. Gooding, and his wife Leslie of Summerfield, NC; grandchildren Jerid Gooding (Alia) of Brooklyn, NY, Kimberly Riley (John) of Greensboro, NC, Amy Gooding of Columbia, SC, USAF Captain Clay Gooding (Jacquelyn) of Tucson, AZ, and Cameron Gooding of Greensboro, NC. She also reveled in being GiGi to two great grandchildren; Quinn and Cora Mae Riley of Greensboro. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Carnie C. “Tom” Gooding, brothers Wayne Haskins, Edward Haskins, Lynwood Haskins, Leo Haskins, sister Evelyn Griffin Scott and brother Jack Griffin.

The family would like to thank all the many neighbors and friends who have supported her over the years. In particular they would like to thank Karen McGregor for her steadfast friendship and the John Camden and family for their support and kindness.

Mary was also supported by wonderful caregivers; Marjorie, Ruth and Stephanie. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude towards them and the invaluable services and comfort they provided to her later in life.

Mary will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Funeral services will be held at Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation is at 1:00 with the funeral following at 2:00. Internment will follow the services at Greenleaf Cemetery in New Bern where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Tom.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in her name to The Boys and Girls Homes of NC, Inc, Cherry Point Baptist Church, Havelock, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Craven Community College or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.