Vicki Goldstein

Vicki Goldstein, 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends after a brief but courageous battle with glioblastoma. Born September 11, 1957, Vicki was the daughter of Donald and Mitzi Goldstein. She grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 1975 before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephens College in 1979.

To know Vicki was to love her. She possessed a genuine kindness that made those around her feel valued, welcomed, and cared for. Beautiful inside and out, she moved through life with warmth, grace, and a sincere interest in others. Vicki had a gift for making people feel special.

Her love of performing was a thread running throughout her life. Early in her career, she performed on cruise ships as a dancer and entertainer and later brought her energy to the Birmingham Stallions as one of the beloved Fillies cheerleaders from 1983 to 1985. She also worked with All Seasons Travel, escorting groups of University of Alabama football fans to away games, creating memories and friendships wherever she went. Later, she found a professional home at Grotting Plastic Surgery, where she served as a Patient Care Coordinator and was cherished by patients and colleagues alike.

Vicki maintained lifelong bonds with friends from Stephens College, Camp Birch Trail, and Winston Way, and continued cultivating deep and lasting relationships throughout her life. Her involvement with Terrific New Theatre reflected her love of the arts and her devotion to community. As a board member, she raised funds for the completion of the theatre's new facility and remained a passionate supporter of local theatre.

During her illness, her beloved family, theatre family, and friends surrounded her with visits, encouragement, and unwavering friendship—a reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired in others. She gave generously of her time and heart. She participated in ALS fundraising walks in honor of a dear friend and never missed an opportunity to support a cause or person she cared about.

Though she had no children of her own, she delighted in the children of friends and family. She celebrated their accomplishments, remembered the details of their lives, and made each one feel special.

Vicki was known for her wonderful sense of humor and her delightfully unique approach to food. A longtime "pesca-turkeytarian," she happily avoided all meat and poultry except turkey, a distinction she cheerfully explained whenever the subject arose and one that became part of her charm.

Family meant everything to Vicki. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Goldstein, in 2015, her brother, Don Goldstein, in 2016, and her mother, Mitzi, just three months ago. She shared an especially close bond with her mother, and while they loved each other deeply, their spirited disagreements provided much laughter to her family over the years.

Most especially, Vicki was blessed with the devoted love of her husband, Clay Bryan. Although recently married, they shared seventeen wonderful years together. Since her diagnosis in January, Clay was a constant and unwavering presence by her side, caring for her with extraordinary tenderness, strength, and devotion. Their love story was one of steadfast companionship, and his care for her during her illness was nothing short of remarkable.

She is survived by her loving husband, Clay Bryan; his children, Jeremy Bryan and Lauren Bryan; her cousins, Jack and Barbara Aland, Robert and Kelly Aland, Karen Aland, Milton Sussberg, Bernard Goldstein Jr. and Lynda Goldstein, Michael and Pam Goldstein, Jerry and Catherine Goldstein, Jonathan Goldstein, and Jennifer Goldstein Kluth and Rick Kluth; along with a wide circle of treasured friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and love. The family would also like to thank Teresa (Lady) Evans for the wonderful care she provided Vicki, as well as to Mitzi, during their final months.

Vicki will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Graveside services will be held Monday, June 22, 2026 at 11:00 am Elmwood Cemetery Block 36, 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, AL  35211. A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL  35205 on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The Memorial service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. https://ourtemple.org/webcast/

A Shiva meal will immediately follow the Memorial Service in Abroms Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Terrific New Theatre Terrific New Theatre | Donate to Capital Campaign , Glioblastoma Treatment & Research

 https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate/,

Temple Emanu-El, or a charitable organization of your choice.