Linda Sharpe Goodin

Linda Goodin--One of Alexander County's leaders in education and business was removed from our midst when Linda Jane Sharpe Goodin decided to take her stroll with GOD through Heaven last Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, NC.

On March 2, 1944, she was the only child born of Harold and Nora Lackey Sharpe. She leaves behind a loving husband of 55 years, Joe Edward Goodin and the mother of David Edward and Henry Daniel Goodin, three grandchildren Wesley Eugene (Ashley) of Harmony NC, Elizabeth Nicole (Wade) of Oxford, MS and Victoria Lynn (Eric) of Statesville, NC, and seven great-grandchildren. Also, Lorie Auton, who was a very close friend and caregiver of Joe & Linda.

In recalling some of her achievements over the past seven decades of her life, it is fitting to note that along with her 30 year educational background she also had a second career in the insurance business.

The Iredell native graduated from Scotts High School in 1962, where she was chosen as Salutatorian and then continued on to graduate from Mitchell College in 1964 finally finishing up by graduating from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC in 1966. She started her student teaching at Central Elementary School on Wilkesboro Hwy in Iredell county. Then moved on to take a permanent position with the Alexander County School system.

Not only was she an educator she was also very involved in various community projects throughout her entire life. As a faithful member of Midway UMC Church she was on the administrative board, always assisted with the Easter and Christmas programs for children, and the assistant pianist for several years. For the last 15 yrs or so, Victory Baptist Church became her church home. It was also said that Linda's humble service, care and compassion for everyone was an example and inspiration for all of us to serve Christ Jesus and others like she did. Linda was always full of love and compassion and was always ready to share food or whatever the need may be with neighbors and others that were less fortunate. She was formerly a member of Scott's Ruritan Club, a member of the Lady's Auxiliary with Gideon's International, volunteered with Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, and also fostered children in need. She was co-owner of the Rainbow Candle Factory with her husband, Joe. and also assisted with his insurance agency.

She was a retired Alexander Central English teacher and Department Chair for many years. It has been said that she was admired and respected for her professionalism in all situations, her dedication to her students, and her calm, steady leadership. She was an amazing English teacher that cared for her students and taught them things that were very beneficial to their everyday lives. She was a mentor to many in so many ways during her lifetime. After a 30 year career with the Alexander County Schools, she joined her husband at the Allstate Agency in Stony Point, NC where she continued to assist people with their insurance needs.

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, we look forward to our reunion with Linda and our Heavenly life together forever, where we never grow old, never become sick, and never die.

Graveside services will be conducted in the church cemetery by Rev. Mitchell Rash at Victory Baptist Church on Midway Rd in Statesville at 11am on Wednesday, January 6th.

Memorials are asked to be made to Samaritans Purse 401 Elkin Hwy, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

In remembering a favorite old hymn, it could well be said of Linda Sharpe Goodin, "It Is Well With My Soul".

Condolences may be left at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.