Marilyn Gooden

Marilyn Gooden passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ after a courageous battle with breast cancer, at the age of 60. Her last days were spent being comforted and surrounded by loved ones. Marilyn had always been full of life. She had a wonderful sense of humor and spirited personality. She enjoyed reading and had shelves of books to prove it. She had a love for movies and music. She definitely wasn't afraid to sing aloud to her favorite tunes, no matter who was listening. She was a wonderful and caring mother and grandmother and had an unapologetic love for her animals, which she considered to be her "4 legged" children as well. She was the kind of person that would give all that she had and not ask for anything in return. She was truly as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Marilyn was born on September 24, 1954 in Cottonton, Alabama to Marvin and Jessie Mahone, and little sister to Lucy. Her adolescence was spent in the city of Flagstaff, before planting roots in Phoenix after graduating from Flagstaff High School.

Education was something that Marilyn valued highly, and so much that she went on to obtain three college degrees, the latter being a Masters’ degree in Business Administration from Ottowa University. These admirable achievements paired with her intelligence, dedication and drive, landed her a position at the AZ Department of Education as an Administrative Assistant. She succeeded in each of these academic achievements while being the sole provider for her 4 children: Andrea, Jamar, Wendy and Michelle. Marilyn worked hard for years as a single parent and did everything that she could to teach her children about life, values and hard work. She was a strong woman. She didn't let her diagnosis defeat her. She continued to wear her beautiful smile every single day despite her valiant fight with such an unwavering illness. Marilyn was most joyous when she was surrounded by family, (especially her grandchildren), whom she would always greet with a smile and a hug. She loved spending time and sharing laughter with those nearest and dearest to her. Her smile and laughter will be dearly missed. Marilyn Gooden was preceded in death by: her parents, Marvin and Jessie Mahone. She is survived by: her sister, Lucy Neal; Children: Andrea Groves, Jamar Gooden, Wendy Adam, Michelle Waller; Grandchildren: Joya Gooden, Jamar Gooden Jr., Malik, JaMarcus and Malia Adam and Londyn Waller. Marilyn also leaves behind her beloved nieces, Torwin and Jewel, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Marilyn's children would like to acknowledge with sincere appreciation, the many expressions of love, concern and kindness during this time of grief.

Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the Diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush,

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft birds that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die.

-Mary Elisabeth Frye