Gladys Evelyn Goodson

Gladys Evelyn Goodson, daughter of the late Reverend Joseph Ivan Goodson and Ophelia Hall Goodson, was born February 15, 1931. She departed this earthly life on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Gladys professed her faith in Jesus Christ, was baptized at an early age and joined Good Hope Baptist Church of Knightdale, NC in approximately 1940.

Gladys attended Lockhart, Junior High School, and graduated from James E. Shepard High School in Zebulon, NC where she enjoyed participating in theater and band. After completing her secondary education, Gladys pursued training as a registered nurse at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC. Gladys worked at Greystone Park State Hospital in Morrisplain, NJ, and as a private duty nurse for many years. As those who knew her can attest, Gladys always strived for excellence in all that she did. The quest for knowledge and distinction led her to move abroad to practice her profession in London, England. Upon her return to the states, Gladys attained a Baccalaureate of Nursing from Jersey City State College and continued diligently working within the field as a BSN, thereafter. She eventually retired from working and relocated to North Carolina where she lived the remainder of her life.

As a fervent follower of Christ, Gladys was always an active servant in the house of God. While living in New Jersey, she attended Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown, NJ. In her later years, she returned as a member of Good Hope Baptist Church while also enjoying service and fellowship at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC.

Gladys never married and had no children of her own, but she has always been a devoted caretaker for her family members. She was very close to her siblings, nieces, and nephews who affectionately called her Bonnie. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Joseph I. and Ophelia H. Goodson, and her siblings Oralean Goodson, Susan B. Smith, Theodore R. Goodson, Isaiah H. Goodson, Augustus T. Goodson, Joseph P. Goodson, Ivan R. Goodson, Willard J. Goodson, and Reverend Charlotte A. Sides. Left to cherish Gladys’ memory are her siblings: Reverend Mildred G. Hunter (Arnett deceased), Deacon Janet O. Robinson (John deceased); Reverend Charles H. Goodson, Douglas C. Goodson (Janice), Sally M. Goodson-Alston (Wesley deceased), Frances G. Knowles (Jonathan), Shelia M. Thompson (George), Sandra J. Goodson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gladys wanted her family to know that her greatest wish for them was that they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, for salvation is the greatest gift that one could receive. Romans 10:9-10 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) 

Homegoing Service will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday August 5, 2022 at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 4209 Smithfield Road, Knightdale, NC. There will be a time of visitation at the church prior to the service beginning at 12:00 PM.  Interment will follow the service at the Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.  A Wake is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday afternoon August 4, 2022 at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

***Please Note:  All attendees are required to wear a face covering or mask for the wake, visitation, and service.  Also know that 3 feet of social distancing is expected. .... Thank you for understanding.

*****Service will be live streamed*****

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