Lorene Goza

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:28

Our dear sweet Lorene is now present with her Lord. He called his daughter home. Lorene Straughter Goza was born in Hope, Arkansas. Lorene was born to John Henry and Bernice (Nash) Straughter on March 16,1940. She was the fourth of six children. Three sisters, one brother, and both parents preceded her in transitioning back to our Heavenly Father.

Lorene grew up in the Southern State of Arkansas in the small town of Hope. She received her formal education and training from Yerger Elementary and Senior High School. Lorene was very active and involved in school life. She was popular, pretty, and she excelled at many things. She was athletic, intelligent, and talented. She was a member of the Yerger High School Choir, the Honor Society, the cheerleading squad, and the New Homemakers of America. Lorene was quite the lady baller. She excelled on the basketball court as a high scorer; often leading her team to many victories.

Lorene was Valedictorian of her graduating class. She graduated from Yerger in the spring of 1958. Sassy, stylish, and fun to be around, this highly accomplished young lady was ready to take on the world. Lorene met and married her high school sweetheart, William Tyus. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Carmelita and Darryl.

Change was in the air, as the civil rights movement gathered momentum. The growing unrest of the nation and this turbulent decade of the sixties, resulted in Lorene relocating to jazzy Kansas City, Missouri in 1960. She settled into Midwestern city life and entered the workforce, first as a Nurse's Aide at St. Luke's Hospital and later as a Postal Clerk with the United States Post Office until she retired in the year 2000.

On February 7, 1963, Lorene met and married the dashing James Goza. Sparks of love ignited between the two love birds that resulted in matrimonial bliss that lasted down through the years. This year marked their 57th year as husband and wife. They were the epitome of a beautiful couple.

Lorene professed her love for Christ and was baptized at an early age. She worshipped at Lonoke Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas. She joined Gethsemane Baptist Church and later transferred her membership to Palestine Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshipped and actively served until her health began to decline.

Lorene loved life. She loved bowling and she often played in tournaments that took her to many cities across the United States. She received the distinguished US Bowling Congress Women's Conference Championship Plaque for 35 years of outstanding bowling.

Lorene, daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, and friend is no longer with us in body, but she is with us in spirit. She lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. Our dear loved one, the quiet and reserved petite force and little powerhouse, our most gracious lovely, kind, and sweet spirit of a soul has put off this earthly tabernacle to be with God. He called her home after a brief illness.

Lorene lived her life to the fullest. She left her mark on this world; and an excellent model on how to live out our lives. She bore two beautiful children, and she remained a devoted and loving wife. We will truly miss her sweet and soothing spirit, her impeccable sense of fashion forward style, and lastly, we shall miss the unforgettable tinkling of laughter that made a smile spread across your face. You know, all of the sisters possessed this lilt in their laughter. That is how you knew they were nearby.

Lorene leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, James Goza, a daughter, Carmelita Tyus-May, a son, Darryl Tyus, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, one brother George Straughter (Alice) of Hope and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many relatives and friends. This little lady from Hope, Arkansas is a beacon of hope to those of us still alive to cherish her memory. Lorene we will always love you!