Brenda T. Goodwin

Brenda was born on June 15, 1949 to Jean Randall (Downing) and Hobart Taliaferro, Jr. in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was one of twelve children: Hobart III; Sandra; Patricia; Randall; Pamela; Dennis; Keith; Lisa; Ellsworth; Kenneth; and Jeanine. After graduating from Atlantic City High School in 1967, Brenda attended Hampton Institute (Hampton University), graduating with a master’s degree in biology.

Brenda married Thomas Goodwin, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, in 1988, raising two children: Amber Joy Goodwin and Darius Johnson. As devout Christians, Brenda and Thomas prioritized faith as the foundation of their family structure and guide to their daily lives. They were proud members of the Rock of Refuge Church family.

In 2002, Brenda retired from the Richland One School District (Columbia, SC). As a public school teacher (Biology/Earth Science), her career in education spanned 30+ years, with many years serving as the science department chair at Dreher High School (Columbia, SC). Brenda also taught at Pembroke High School (Hampton, VA), Lower Richland High School (Hopkins, SC), and Crayton Middle School (Columbia, SC).

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Jean (Downing) and Hobart Taliaferro, Jr.; her siblings, Hobart Taliaferro III, Kenneth Downing, and Jeanine Downing.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Thomas Goodwin, Jr.; her children, Darius Johnson and Amber Goodwin; her grandchild, Solomon Johnson; her siblings, Sandra Ruffin, Patricia Taliaferro, Randall Taliaferro, Pamela Taliaferro, Dennis Taliaferro, Keith Downing, Lisa Downing, Ellsworth Downing; and a host of nieces and nephews.