Betty J Goodson

Betty was born in Hickox, Georgia, on May 2, 1937, and moved to Tampa, Florida, as an infant, where she lived until 1954. That year, she married Robert Goodson, and they moved to San Diego, California. In 1965, they returned to Tampa with their four children, and in 1967, the family moved to Seminole County, eventually settling in Sanford, Florida, where Betty lived for the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by four children, Valerie (Donnie), Keith, Cindy (John), and Roxanne (Tim); four grandchildren, Heather, Austin (Ashley), Fernando, and Chloe; nine great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Mom’s greatest priorities were always the Lord and raising her four children. She loved her children deeply and devoted her life to her family, her church, and serving others.

Betty joined Pinecrest Baptist Church in 1970, where she became a loving and faithful servant. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a longtime member of the church choir. She taught Sunday School, worked in the nursery most Sundays, and cleaned the sanctuary most Saturdays. She was always ready to help wherever she was needed.

Betty also cared for elderly members of her church family—bringing them meals, cleaning their homes, taking them to appointments, and simply being there for them. If there was a need, Mom tried to fill it.

Betty began working in 1970 at Dearborn Electronics and Florida Excursions, where she served as a shipping manager until 1978. She then became a certified nanny and spent many years caring for and loving the children of six families. She continued in this work until retiring at age 65.

Even after retirement, Betty never stopped serving others. She stayed busy helping friends, making children’s clothing that was sent to children in countries in need, and helping prepare Christmas shoebox gifts for children around the world. She found joy in giving to others and rarely thought of herself first.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her children and their families, as well as Bible study, bowling, reading, canoeing on the Wekiva River, walking along the Sanford lakefront, and going to the beach. She was deeply faithful to her church and always willing to lend a helping hand.

In 2010, our family began noticing changes in Mom’s memory, and we gradually began helping her with her daily needs. Over the years, Keith and Valerie shared in caring for her. Roxanne, from Arizona, faithfully called Mom every day, and Mom always looked forward to those calls. Cindy was always ready to come from Minnesota with a loving, helping hand whenever we needed a break or extra help.

As Mom’s dementia progressed, caring for her became a daily labor of love. We loved our mom and did everything we could to give her the care, dignity, comfort, and love she deserved.

We made sure she sat up front at church on Sunday mornings. When she could no longer read the Bible herself, we read it to her daily. We played Christian music for her and surrounded her with the things that brought her comfort.

Even in her final days, Mom was precious to us. Her hospice nurse told us she “looked Regal,” and that is exactly how we will remember her—with dignity, grace, strength, and a lifetime of love poured into others.

Mom loved the Lord, her children, her family, her friends, and her church. Her life testified to her faith, service, generosity, and unconditional love.

We are thankful that Mom is no longer suffering and is now in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so faithfully.

We rejoice in the promise of eternal life and know we will see her again. We love you, Mom, and we will miss you more than words can express. Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 12pm-1pm and Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, located at 5000 Co Rd 46A, Sanford, FL. A reception with a light lunch will follow. A brief interment will also follow the service for those who wish to join the family.

In lieu of flowers, Betty and her family request memorial donations to her church, Connect Church of Sanford, 1607 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32771.