Betty Mars Goodman

Mrs. Betty Mars Goodman, 91, of Charlottesville, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021. Betty was born on June 30, 1930, in New Hope, Virginia and was a daughter to the late John William and Nannie Butler Mars. Betty spent 28 years as an administrator in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery with the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Betty’s husband, Robert B. Goodman (known as BG), worked at the UVA Athletic Department. Both were dedicated fans of UVA Athletics, especially UVA Football. A few years after Betty’s retirement, Betty was asked to come work part-time at the ticket office of the athletic department. She said yes and quickly became a ray of sunshine for all who passed by the ticket window in her seven years there. In 1997, Betty received an award from the Society of Purple Shadow at UVA honoring her for her commitment and contributions to the University. The Society said, “Mrs. Goodman, you are a beacon of joy to all those who come in contact with you. You have brought a warmth and happiness to the ticket office that is unprecedented. Forever seeing the bright side of each day, your positive attitude has spread like wildfire from the window you sit behind. Not only have you transformed the inside of the ticket office, but you have touched the hearts of most of the athletes at this University through your ever-present smiles and waves”. In October, Betty was awarded the Crossed Sabres in grateful recognition of exemplary service, selfless commitment, and extraordinary impact on Cavalier Football. The order of the Crossed Sabres is awarded annually and represents the highest honor given by the Virginia Department Football Alumni. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Goodman and beloved sister Elva Mars Cale. Betty is survived by many dear and special friends that will remember her fondly. Stephanie Allen would like to extend special thanks to the Care Givers with Home Instead Senior Living, the Colonnades, and for all the love and support from the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Family (David and Carolyn Benjamin, Alan and Mary Bridle, Frank and Cyndi Boone, and Tom and Amy O’Leary). Special thanks to Allen and Sharon Roberts and all the Alumni UVA Football Players and their Families that loved “Mama G” and “Grand Betty” so much. A celebration of life will be led by one of Mrs. Goodman’s biggest fans (Stephen Phelan) on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM, at The Alumni Room in Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium (1815 Stadium Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903). Parking available in the main upper Bryant Hall lot in the south end of the stadium (enter Bryant Hall thru the double doors and the Alumni Room will be directly ahead).