Goldia grew up in Alma, AR. on a farm, and at the side of her mother, learned to cook and to bake delicious pies and cakes with fresh butters, creams, eggs, and flavorings. On the farm, they were happy to have all fresh vegetables, and fruits and nuts. They made their own buttermilk, sorghum, brittle, and candies. They cured their own meats, baked their own breads. In the dining room, accompanied by a fire in the dining room fireplace in winter, J.D., Maggie, and the seven children enjoyed three large whole food feasts a day. As an adult, and for her own family, Goldia prepared the most scrumptious dishes, pies, cakes, and candies. She really loved to cook and bake, and she lovingly put her heart into it. She said that was the key to preparing delicious and nutritious foods. She was a devoted mother and wife, and cherished her grandchildren immensely.
Goldia was interested in clothing construction from an early age. Her fashions were sewn with careful attention to precise method, detail, and quality, always creating desired outcome and receiving many compliments. When young, she modeled for three department stores in Fort Smith, where she was also in sales. She was a member of the Administrative Staff of the Sebastian County Judge’s Office for ten years.
She loved music and classic film, and loved to travel and see new and interesting sites. She enjoyed biology, history and penmanship in school. She played basketball in high school. Her interests were many, but she particularly loved her Church, Sunday school, and her Women’s Group. She studied and worshipped with Fort Smith BSF Group for twelve years, and she loved the BSF ladies. She was proud to be a centenarian, and never lost her joy and appreciation of life. She agreed with the James Taylor lyric “the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, William S. Shoffey; her son, William G. Shoffey of Leawood, KS; her parents; and her siblings: George Gray (Wintergreen, FL), Nelly Harris (Fort Smith, AR), Edna Gilpin (San Antonio, TX), Edith Rye (Houston, TX), Roger Gray (Alma, AR), and Malcom Gray (Alma, AR). She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Shoffey Karrant of Fort Smith; her daughter-in-law, Genie Durden Shoffey (Leawood, KS); her brother-in-law, James Shoffey (Fort Smith, AR); and her grandchildren: Jennifer Forsythe (Jamie), Jason Shoffey (Rose), Indra Russell (Tait), Gray McBay (Matt), Amber Shoffey, Jonathan Karrant, Kelly Hicks (Mitzie) and Rachel Hicks Sims. Goldia also has many great-grandchildren of whom she was very proud, as well as treasured nieces and nephews.
Special love and thanks to the many healthcare professionals who lovingly cared for Goldia. “Farewell, my family and friends. See ya later!”
Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00pm on Wednesday, January 30 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Smith, AR. Funeral Service will be at First United Methodist Church Roebuck Chapel in Fort Smith on Thursday, January 31 at 11:00am, followed by burial at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith at 1:00pm. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are Jason Shoffey, Tait Russell, Malcom Gray Jr., Jamie Forsythe, Joe Byars Jr., and Dr. John Flanagan. Honorary Pallbearer is James Shoffey.
Memorial donations may be made in her honor to First United Methodist Church, 200 N 15th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
