Esther Whitefield Goetze

Esther Whitefield Goetze, 88, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, on April 16, 2012 in Clarksville, VA. She was born on August 6, 1923 in Person Co., NC, beloved daughter of the late Thea Wellington Whitefield and Esther Wilson Whitefield.

Esther was a graduate of Broughton High School and gave 21 years of service to the State Government of NC in various administrative roles. Esther spent her adult life as a devoted wife and mother and servant. She served her Lord faithfully at Forest Hills Baptist Church, in her community and around the world. Esther taught English As A Second Language at Forest Hills as a part of the International Missions Program, traveled overseas on a mission trip in her late 70’s, ministered through Meals On Wheels and continued to model the character of Christ all the days of her life. An avid sports fan, she loved her NC State Wolfpack, the alma mater of most of her children. Esther was active in local bowling leagues and bowled for several years in the NC Senior Games. She continually followed and supported the activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Esther was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arnold Bennie Goetze and is lovingly remembered by her children: sons, Arnold Bennie, Jr., of Raleigh, David and wife JoAnn, of Youngsville, Kenny and wife Debra, of Zebulon; her daughters, Sarah Hyatt and husband Martin, of Charleston, SC, Roslyn Currin and husband Madison, of Chase City, VA, and Beth Huff and husband Dave, of Clayton.

She will be deeply missed by her 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as her brother, Clarence Whitefield, of Chapel Hill, her sisters, Iva Pearl Godwin, of Okeechobee, FL, Foye Cole, of Timberlake, NC, and Lois Barringhaus and husband Leonard, of Grays Lake, IL. Esther will also be missed by her very special friend, Mariela Vera.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday April 20, at Forest Hills Baptist Church, 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh NC. The family will receive friends and family prior to the service from 1:00- 2:00 pm at the church. Graveside services will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church or Meals On Wheels, in memory of Esther.

Condolences and special memories can be shared at www.brownwynne.com.