Obituary for Marilyn Goodfellow
Marilyn Smith Goodfellow died peacefully at Mary Anna Nursing Home in Wisner, LA on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Born September 17, 1928 to Arthur E. (Shorty) and Alva W. (Case) Smith, she was 94 years old and a lifelong resident of Tensas Parish, LA.
Marilyn married Bill Goodfellow in 1943 at the age of 15. He left to serve in the Navy during World War ll and she finished high school, graduating as valedictorian of her class. At 17, she took a train to California to begin life with her husband where he was then stationed after serving overseas. She worked in an ammunition factory until he was discharged from the Navy. After that, they moved back to Tensas Parish where they remained the rest of their lives. They raised 5 children together and were grandparents to 14 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren will forever cherish the warm memories and legacy of faithfulness to God and family.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, William John Goodfellow, Sr.; her parents, Arthur E. Smith, Sr. and Alva W. (Case) Smith; her brother, A. E. Smith, Jr.; her sister, Bessie Smith Gentry; and beloved grandson, Brandon Shawn Rush.
She is survived by four daughters, Wilda Bezet (Mac), Frances Faitt (William), Suzanne Rush (Rickey), and Geney Page (Billy), and one son, William Goodfellow, Jr. (Margaret); 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph, LA from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Sunday, May 28, 2023 with graveside services to follow at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, LA at 3:00 pm with Rev. Larry Foster officiating under the direction of Young's Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Marilyn’s favorite charity, The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Born September 17, 1928 to Arthur E. (Shorty) and Alva W. (Case) Smith, she was 94 years old and a lifelong resident of Tensas Parish, LA.
Marilyn married Bill Goodfellow in 1943 at the age of 15. He left to serve in the Navy during World War ll and she finished high school, graduating as valedictorian of her class. At 17, she took a train to California to begin life with her husband where he was then stationed after serving overseas. She worked in an ammunition factory until he was discharged from the Navy. After that, they moved back to Tensas Parish where they remained the rest of their lives. They raised 5 children together and were grandparents to 14 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren will forever cherish the warm memories and legacy of faithfulness to God and family.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, William John Goodfellow, Sr.; her parents, Arthur E. Smith, Sr. and Alva W. (Case) Smith; her brother, A. E. Smith, Jr.; her sister, Bessie Smith Gentry; and beloved grandson, Brandon Shawn Rush.
She is survived by four daughters, Wilda Bezet (Mac), Frances Faitt (William), Suzanne Rush (Rickey), and Geney Page (Billy), and one son, William Goodfellow, Jr. (Margaret); 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph, LA from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Sunday, May 28, 2023 with graveside services to follow at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, LA at 3:00 pm with Rev. Larry Foster officiating under the direction of Young's Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Marilyn’s favorite charity, The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA.
She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.