Rhonda Kay Goldstein

September 1955 – November 2023

Rhawnie Goldstein, devoted wife, mother, and servant of the Lord, transitioned from her husband Mark’s embrace into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

In addition to Mark, Rhawnie’s survivors include her son, Randy Goldstein (April); daughter, Tamala Crist (Bryan); father, Arnold Gleason (Lucrecia, deceased); brother Bruce Gleason (Cindy); and sister Karla Jongema (Rick).

Rhawnie was born in Lafayette, Indiana, and moved to Central Florida as a teenager, where she and Mark continued to live after their wedding. Rhawnie and Mark were married for 43 rich, adventure-filled years of working, playing, and growing in faith together. They both loved going on cruises and have seen much of the world that way.

Her talents included ceramics (their home is full of pieces she made), knitting (she did that professionally for many years), and baking (her pies were award-winning). More than 50 years ago, Rhawnie and her mother made the urn that now holds her cremains.

Rhawnie was the epitome of quiet elegance. She shunned the spotlight, content to work behind the scenes—and work she did! In providing administrative support to the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, Rhawnie seamlessly did the jobs of at least four people. During Mark’s tenure as president, Rhawnie was the glue that held the Chamber together.

Rhawnie was a motorhead and the proud owner of a mint condition 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. She loved all forms of motor racing. When she entered hospice care in January, the NASCAR season hadn’t yet started and she thought she would die without knowing who this year’s champion would be. But that championship race was held on November 5, and she was able to watch it before her final physical decline began.

She was also an avid motorcyclist. Not content to be a passenger, she rode her own Gold Wing on the many motorcycle trips the family took.

Shortly before she died, Rhawnie told Mark she wanted to be surprised by Heaven. God answered that prayer when he took her spirit to her eternal home.

A celebration of Rhawnie’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805.