Gloria Goodson

Mrs. Gloria Goodson, age 81, passed away on February 10, 2026. She was born on November 23, 1944.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., which will also be a time to celebrate her life, that will include singing and sharing of memories, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Elamville, Alabama.

Gloria received her LPN certification from Wallace Community College. Throughout the years, she faithfully used her nursing skills at Southeast Medical Center, Ozark Nursing Home and as an EMT for Clio Rescue Squad.She also volunteered with Community Hospice, where she thoughtfully designed a special birthday program for each patient, bringing joy and comfort to many families.
Music was another of Gloria’s greatest passions. A self-taught pianist, she first served as church pianist at Elamville Methodist Church. Recognizing her dedication and talent, the church ordered a mail correspondence course to help her further develop her skills. Gloria later became the first pianist at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she also lovingly taught children’s Sunday School classes.
In the early years of Gloria and Billy’s marriage, Sunday mornings were especially busy and meaningful. They would attend Elamville Methodist Church and then travel to Emmanuel Baptist Church so Gloria could play the piano for both congregations. During those early years, they also hosted “gospel singings” in their home. The house was always filled to capacity, with friends and neighbors gathered to enjoy the music and Gloria’s delicious refreshments.
Gloria was greatly loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Elam Baptist Church Cemetery in Elamville, Alabama, with Rev. Randy Campbell and Rev. Kenneth Earles officiating.

Mrs. Goodson is survived by her husband of 65 years, Billy E. Goodson of Ariton; her daughter, Debbie (Tommy) Dawkins of Ariton, Alabama; her grandson, Brad Dawkins (Alicia) of Ariton, Alabama; her great-grandchildren, Austin Sitz (Emily), Kaddan Sitz (Haiden), and Heidi Dawkins; her great-great-grandchildren, Gracie Sitz, Sophiea Sitz, Emmitt Sitz, Hudson Andrade, and Chandler Andrade; her sisters, Susan Graham (Charlie) of Columbus, Georgia, and Janet Parker (Tommy) of Pine Mountain, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jackie L. Goodson in 1987; her parents, Jack Russell and Dovie Lee Russell Strickland; her grandmother, Alice Robinette Phillips, whom she lovingly called “Mama”; her sisters, Regina Matthew and Jessie Brunson; and her brother, Frankie Strickland.

Pallbearers will be Lee Phillips, Brandon Phillips, Wade Godbold, Curtis Garner, Jerry Goodson, and Larry Dawkins.

Lana’s Flowers will be serving the family.    
(850-819-3344)

Keahey Funeral Home of Clio, Alabama, is entrusted with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Goodson, please visit our floral store.