John Goodman

John Goodman was born in Lynchburg, South Carolina on September 26, 1938 to the late Mr. Eugene Henry and Mrs. Cara Goodman. After losing his mother at a very tender age, he was raised by his loving step-mother Mrs. Rowena Goodman. 

John grew up and was educated in South Carolina. Upon graduation he followed his dream of having a brighter future. He relocated to New York where he worked as a seamstress for a brief time. He then went on to get a trade and became a Burner and Boiler Mechanic where he worked for Castle Oil and Burner Company for 40 years.  After retiring he relocated back to South Carolina where he lived until he became ill. After a long illness he returned to New York. 

John was a very dignified man; he held his head high and carried himself well. He was a loving husband and an amazing father, always sharing a teachable moment. He held much respect and honor for the things and people that mattered most to him in his life, "whom at times appeared to be everyone".  He had such a zest for life and was a very loving and kind person. He showed love to everyone he came in contact with. He will greatly be missed.

Daddy was a very humorous man always telling jokes and always full of love and laughter. He had a high standard of living. He was stern, yet loving and spoke with authority when he had to. He was always a gentle giant, full of positive energy, life and inspiration. Daddy you were a lover of life. You poured so much of your time and energy into others. He spent a large quantity of time working in his garden whereas he would grow anything. He loved being in the company of loved ones, and people in general and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. He was also an excellent cook, often giving cook-outs, using that as an opportunity for the gathering of people. He loved fishing and playing and listening to music. He had such a zest for life and a love for living. It was always pleasant to be in his company. His family was dear to his heart and he was always able to pour outwardly if there was a need, regardless of the matter. He gave from his heart. He especially loved his children. He held his head up high when it came to maintaining the role of fatherhood. He introduced us to God before we were able to venture into life on our own. From him we grew strength. Financially you were there. When we were young and afraid you were our provider and protector. The role of a father! The role you played in our lives really did matter. You taught us to be the very best at whatever we decided to do. Daddy, your children salute you. Always, striving to make life better. You will be missed Daddy, but the thing we will remember most is that you were always there until the end. Thank you Daddy.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mamie Morant-Goodman; son, Barry Goodman; grandson, Trevion Tamas Goodman; siblings: Ruth, Mary, Edith, Lottie, Valentines, Bobby and Henry; long-time friend (and the mother of our sister Crystal) Johnette Barry; and a step-brother Charles Green.

He was the last of 8 siblings. 

John leaves to mourn six children: James (Lynn) Morant, Stacy Dessaline, Mildred (Keith) Williams, all of NY, Lindora, of CT, and Crystal Johnett of Charleston, SC; one step-brother, Charles Green, SC; daughter-in-law, Pia Goodman; sixteen grandchildren, Lydell John, Calvin, Tyrone, David, Assata, Diamond, Natasha, Nicole, Star-a'jar, Irving Vandross III, Mikah Brown, Ashton Brown-Blair, Irish and Pykiyana “NaeNae”; fifteen great-grands; one niece, Mrs. Dorothy Bullock, Bronx, NY and three sisters-in-laws, Ms. Ellaree Johnson, Baltimore, MD, Mrs. Dorothy Morant and Mrs. Mae Morant, Colmbia, SC; three cousins, Ruth Lemon McFadden, Lawrence and Sandra Nelson of SC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other family and friends. 

Love,

Your Children & Family

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