Shirley Goodson

Shirley Dewayne Goodson of Potosi, Missouri, was born on October 9, 1936 in Hampton, Arkansas, a daughter to the late James Doyle Strickland and the late Mallo (Blann) Strickland. On May 18, 1957, Shirley was united in marriage to Gene Goodson and they shared sixty years together.

Shirley entered eternal rest on Sunday, October 1, 2017 having reached the age of eighty years, eleven months and twenty-two days.

Shirley will be missed by all who knew and loved her including her beloved husband, Gene Goodson of Potosi; son, David Goodson of Ballwin, Missouri; sister, Linda Mercille Buck of Mississippi; sister-in-law, Martha Strickland of Arkansas; dear friends: Mary Pat West of Potosi and Joan Knott of Terre du Lac.

In addition to her father and mother, Shirley was preceded in death by two brothers: Larry Strickland and Billy Strickland; sister-in-law, Grace Harbison; two brothers-in-law: BJ Buck and Floy Harbison.

Shirley attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958. She also attended Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), Cape Girardeau, MO.

Shirley was a high school physical education teacher for 38 years. During that time, she coached volleyball and girls’ basketball and established an intramural program for girls. She was also an active member of the local Community Teachers Organization as well as the Missouri State Teachers Association. As an educator, she was a positive influence for the girls who were fortunate to have her classes or be on her team. She had the same positive influence on the many young teachers she mentored.

After Shirley retired, she continued her involvement in Potosi’s public-school system. She ran for and served on the Potosi R-III Board of Education for 15 years. She served twelve of these years as Secretary and three as Vice-President of the School Board.

Shirley was an active member of the Washington County Retired School Personnel Association having served as Vice-President from 2002-05. She was also a lifetime member of Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

Shirley was an active member of the Trojan Booster Club. She could often be seen cheering on the Trojan football team on Friday nights or at any of the volleyball or girls’ basketball games during the year.

Shirley’s interest and involvement in the community were not limited to the schools, however. She was a board member for the Sayers Senior Center for about 15 years. Even before she was on the Board of Directors for the center, she volunteered her time delivering meals to shut-ins and participated in the centers’ activities. She has headed up their local Walk-a-Thon in the past and participated until she was no longer physically able.

Shirley was also a charter member of the Great Mines Health Center’s Board of Directors. She served on the board at the center’s inception in 2003 until 2015. As a board member she helped make Great Mines one of the most successful Federally Qualified Health Center’s in the state.

Shirley’s family will receive friends on Thursday evening, October 5, 2017 from 4:30-8 p.m. and Friday, October 6, 2017 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the DeClue Funeral Home 301 East High Street, Potosi, Missouri 63664.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Friday, October 6, at 10 a.m. held at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Elder Mike Jarvis and Elder Allan Joe Wilkerson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes be made to one of the following: Washington County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund, Potosi Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org)

Interment will be held at the Means Cemetery, Hampton, Arkansas. DeClue Funeral Home was privileged to care for the funeral arrangements and services for Shirley during this time of remembrance.

Online condolences can be made by visiting decluefuneralhome.com