Vada Helen Barnes Goodman

Vada Helen Barnes Goodman, 84, joined her Savior on March 19, 2010. A fifth generation Texan, she was born on January 29, 1926 in Austin, Texas, where she resided all of life. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay W. Barnes and her infant son, Robert Jay Goodman, preceded her in death. Helen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jack C. Goodman; son, Jack Alan Goodman; daughter, Linda Goodman Dryden and husband Buddy; beloved grandsons, Hunter Dryden and Creighton Dryden; brother, Jay W Barnes, Jr., nephew Jay Barnes III, niece Ann Barnes Pumphrey and their families, many cousins, and more friends than we can count. Educated in the Austin public schools, she was a graduate of Austin High School, class of 1942, and of Nixon-Clay Business College. While serving as USO sweetheart, Helen met the love of her life, Jack Goodman, at a 1945 USO dance in the Crystal Ballroom of the Driskill Hotel. It was love at first sight for them both, and their wedding on December 20, 1947 began a marriage that stretched over six decades, characterized throughout by love, romance and devotion rarely seen. They were true companions and partners in this life. To capture the essence of Mother in a few words is near impossible. She was a unique blend of keen intelligence, extraordinary beauty, sparkling personality, generosity, boundless energy, talent, graciousness, passion and fun. Gifted by God so abundantly, she lived to serve Him and serve others. She put her gifts to use in a career that spanned 41 years, including the Health Department, the Board for Texas State Hospitals and Specials Schools, MHMR and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, retiring as Assistant to the Commissioner. However, her true vocation in life was loving people wherever and whenever they crossed her path and sharing anything she had with others. You could most often find Mom at First Baptist Church, her beloved faith community for over fifty years. She served in almost every capacity including Sunday School teacher, High School Department Director, and the first female chair of the Board of Deacons. Besides her family and collecting friends, her favorite hobby in life was Christmas - Mom never met a Christmas decoration she didn't like - and she joyfully celebrated with up to eight different themed Christmas trees. Passionate about anything Texas, she was avid Longhorn fan, rarely missing a home football, basketball or baseball game with Daddy. In our family, Texas-OU weekend was considered an official holiday. She and Daddy attended 56 consecutive Texas-OU weekends until Alzheimer's prevented her from making the annual trek to Dallas. A visitation will be held Sunday, March 21, 5-7pm at Weed-Corley-Fish on 3125 North Lamar. Burial will be Monday, March 22 at 10:30am at Walnut Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 12062 North Lamar, and all are welcome. A celebration of her life and her entry into eternal life will follow at 1:30pm at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Roger Paynter officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be Buddy Dryden, Hunter Dryden, Creighton Dryden, Jay Barnes, Sarah Landes, Glenda Crout, Bobby Landes, Terry Colley, Troy Wappler, Scott Clay, Scotty Clay, Mike Hail, Robert Moore, Tommy Chido, Rogers Wilson, Miguel Reynoso, Doug Keenan, Don Searles, and Dr. Jim Crout. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Gathering - Alzheimer's Day Out Program of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Caves Road, 78746; or First Baptist Church of Austin Foundation, 901 Trinity Street, 78701. Our gratitude and love go to all of Mother's caregivers, most recently Janet Hammond and Maria Cruz; Dr. William Lockett; and Debbie Wilder and the staff of The Gathering. You each brought comfort and love to her difficult journey.