Sharon "Shay" Packard Goode

Sharon Packard Goode, 80, more affectionately known as “Shay Packard”, or “Yaya” to her grandchildren, went to be with her Lord and Savior in eternal heavenly peace on March 23, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family and friends. Born on August 21, 1945, in Troy, Ohio, she lived a vibrant and full life that touched many hearts.

A proud graduate of Ohio State University, and later Southern Illinois University, where she earned her master's degree in education, Shay dedicated most of her career to helping children as a speech therapist, specializing in special education. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child defined her life’s work. Later, she pursued a second career as a real estate agent, where her warmth and integrity made her a trusted friend to many.

Shay’s life was rich with adventure — from moving to Tokyo, Japan as a newlywed right out of college, to living in six different states over the course of her life. She approached every new place and season of life with curiosity, courage, and the ability to adapt and make new friends.

Her passions were many: reading, education, organic gardening, Bible Study with dear friends, and especially spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Being “Yaya” was her favorite role, and she relished attending Mac’s football, basketball and lacrosse games, Liam’s baseball and soccer games and baking cookies while listening to Grace’s storytelling. She loved growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, raising backyard chickens, cooking beautiful meals, and filling her home with the warmth of family and friends. Shay also enjoyed travel, both with friends and family, that created a richness to her life, as well as cherished lifelong memories.

Shay will be remembered for her intelligence, strength, bravery, independence, and generosity — but above all, for her kindness and love. She was deeply devoted to those she held dear.

She is survived by her loving children, Mason Packard and Megan Packard Cave, and her beloved grandchildren, Mac Packard and Grace and Liam Cave; as well as her brother Ottis Wagner, sister-in-law, Darcy Wagner, nieces Angela Wagner and Katie Wagner Stevenson and their families, her sister Shirley Wagner and family, and brother Clark Wagner and family. She also leaves behind much loved extended family and very dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Shay’s faith became a quiet and steady foundation in her later years, as she battled lung cancer for eight years. She found freedom, acceptance and comfort in God’s grace and His promises. While her family and friends grieve her loss, they rejoice in the assurance she is at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Her legacy and her love will shine on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

Her family is grateful for the outstanding care provided by her healthcare team with Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, as well as Via Health for Hospice and Pallative care services and The Sharon at Southpark, as well as countless friends – for all the support, care and love over the last several years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at McEwen Funeral – Pineville Chapel on April 25, 2026, at 11am. The family will scatter Shay’s ashes in a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to causes that were close to Shay’s heart: duplicationcares.org or samaritanspurse.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com