Paulina Evelyn Goats

Pauline Evelyn (Haskins) Goats, age 94, peacefully entered into heaven on April 9, 2025, surrounded by her three devoted daughters at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, Florida. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts, on March 31, 1931, she was the beloved daughter of the late Emory and Agnes (Dumas) Haskins.

Pauline was a woman of quiet strength, enduring love, and unwavering faith. She devoted her life to her family, which she considered her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. A homemaker by heart, Pauline created a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, love, and the comforting smell of her home-cooked meals. Pauline was better known as “Gram” by all who loved her. Being Gram wasn’t just a title—it was her calling.

In her earlier years, Pauline traveled to various resorts, working as a waitress and later in a factory making slips. It was during this time she met and married the love of her life, William Flenoy Goats, on July 18, 1953. William, a proud Navy seaman, brought Pauline to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1973, where they built a life full of beautiful memories together until his passing.

Pauline’s joys were simple but rich: playing games, reading, cooking, scrolling on her iPad, and watching the Game Show Network. But above all, her favorite moments were spent in the company of her family. She cherished every opportunity to be surrounded by her loved ones—especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband William Flenoy Goats; her brothers, Emory Haskins Jr. and Robert Haskins; and her sisters, Constance Slish, Colleen Dehler, and Shirley Richardson.

She is survived by her three daughters: Karen Lovelace (late Kenneth), Carol D’Angelo (Fred), and Cindy Jenkins (Lance); her grandchildren: Robert Thierbecker Jr. (Jacqueline), William Decker (Tasha), Brian Decker, Robert Thomas III (Tara), Lindsay Duckham (Jacob), Carrie Dees (Derek), and Rebecca Jenkins; along with 17 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pauline leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation for Pauline will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Long Branch Baptist Church, 5500 Long Branch Cemetery Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32234. A committal service will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Pauline’s heart.