Marenda Fowler Goodwin

January 28, 1926 - April 12, 2023

Marenda Fowler Goodwin, 97, went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Betty Gay (Benny) of Dothan, AL; grandchildren Kristi Goodwin Ross (Richard) of Murfreesboro, TN; Curtis Bryant Goodwin of Live Oak, FL; Angela Goodwin Jones (Patrick) of Dothan, AL; Ben Gay (Sarah) of Auburn, AL; Kendall Williford (Marvin) of Florala, AL; and Spencer Gay (Emily) of Hoover, AL; and great-grandchildren Austin and Wynston Franklin; Eli, Aubrey, and Lucas Jones; Lydia, Naomi, and Anna Gay; Tyler and Heath Williford; and Charlie Gay.

Marenda is preceded in death by her husband Curtis Goodwin, parents Mallie J. Fowler and Frances O'Lena Dees Fowler, two brothers Aubrey Fowler and Garland Fowler, three sisters Letus  Farnell, Myra Devore, and Elden Christie, and her son, Curtis Harold "Shunny" Goodwin, Jr.

Marenda was born in Day, Florida, on January 28, 1926. She married Curtis Goodwin in Statenville, Georgia in 1946 resulting in a loving marriage that spanned 74 years. Marenda began her career as a medical and office assistant for several doctors including her brother-in-law, Dr. Farnell. She furthered her career by working in the Lafayette County Courthouse and ultimately found her home with the Lafayette County School Board where she retired as finance officer on April 30, 1991 after 33 years of service. One of her greatest honors was being recognized by the Superintendent and School Board every April where the regular scheduled meeting was named "Marenda Goodwin Day".

Marenda became a member of Mayo Baptist Church in 1947 where she served and attended faithfully for as long as she could. Her love of faith and church community extended to her 2nd church "home" at Brewer Lake Baptist Church in Day, Florida during her later years.

Marenda filled her retirement years with embroidering, reading, crosswords, family time and never missing an opportunity to have breakfast at Hardee's or dinner at Red Lobster with Curtis.

Her legacy will be her love of family. She missed her one son, Shunny, every day since he went to be with our Lord in 1995. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, and one of the best grandmothers. Marenda's greatest legacy was her love of Jesus Christ.

Granny's sight has been restored and her body healed. She is now in the full presence and love of our Heavenly Father and in the embrace of her former earthly family, Curtis and Shunny.

Visitation will be held at Mayo Baptist Church on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 10am - 11am. The funeral service will follow, at 11am with Rev. Kenny Sullivan and Rev. Rick James officiating. A private family interment will follow at Day Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mayo Baptist Church.