Thelma Louise Preston

She was 80 years old and surrounded in her final moments by her beloved family.

Lou is predeceased by her husbands William Goodwin, William Crotts, and Richard Garrenton; daughter Karen Kay Crotts Traylor; son Timothy James Goodwin; her parents Chester Arthur Allen, Thelma Louise Van Horn Allen; sister Janice Allen Estes; and brother, Chester Arthur Allen, II.

She fought a heroic, decades-long battle with metastatic breast cancer—thirty years marked by resilience and incredible strength. Through it all, Lou remained fiercely devoted to her family and community.

She is survived by her loving children Tony Goodwin (Gretchen Fahn), Steven Goodwin, and Tina Goodwin (Cris Caruso). Her legacy continues in her grandchildren Nicole Traylor (Dale Jackson), Carley Smith (Ryan Smith), Alexandra Goodwin (David LaSpina), Jason Goodwin (Grace Pezzimenti), Connor Goodwin, and Emily Goodwin, bonus granddaughters Sam and Molly Lee and great-grandchildren Skye, Bodhi, and Evie.

Through her illness she was cared for by many, including her daughters-in-law: Gretchen Fahn, Cris Caruso and a very special thank you to Barbara Goodwin, Lou’s “Angel,” for her fierce support and loving care throughout her final months and days.

Lou was a longtime parishioner of the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

A devoted member of the OD Shag Club for over 28 years, she was awarded the Al Cain Service Award in 2023 for her many years of service to the club. Her bright spirit and willingness to help in any way made her a beloved member in the hearts of all Club members.

She found joy on the golf course, tennis court, and around the mahjong table with her dearest friends. Her “Salty Sisters” in North Myrtle Beach were a source of deep community and friendship for many years.

Professionally, Lou was ahead of her time—a trailblazing business owner of L&L Computer Services alongside her long-time partner, Lyn Carter, and a skilled computer programmer. She led with vision and determination in fields where few women were seen, let alone in leadership roles.

The family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion shown by the team at Massey Cancer Center, who walked with Lou through each stage of her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connor’s Heroes, a non-profit created by Lisa Ivins and Steve Goodwin, named after her grandson, Connor, a cause dear to Lou’s heart and cherished by the entire family. http://connorsheroes.org