Margaret D. Goode

Margaret D. (Childress) Goode was born April 18, 1951 to Lincoln M. Childress, Sr and Dolly D. Ellis in Blackville, AR.

Margaret was raised by her paternal grandparents Ed Childress Sr and Bertha Wells Childress. She was introduced to Christ at a very young age which created the foundation for her unshakable faith that she carried with her throughout her life. She grew up loving to read and received many awards throughout her school age years. She graduated near the top of her class from Branch High School in Newport, AR.

She met the love of her life, Edward L. Goode, Sr shortly afterwards and they were married September 5, 1968. Through this union three children were born - Diahann Goode, LaTrisha Goode Simmons and Edward Lemont Goode, Jr.

Margaret was a dedicated employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Little Rock and Kansas City for over 40 years and retired in 2013.

Margaret had a thirst for learning and helped instill that in others by serving as a substitute teacher for Little Rock School District. Always leading by example, Margaret demonstrated that education can continue and goals can be achieved at any age. At the age of 71, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with the Chancellor’s Medallion award as the top graduate in her University College.

Margaret loved traveling with her husband. She and Ed visited over 45 states and multiple countries and journeyed on 15 cruises. The two loved spending time together whether it was tending their garden, flower beds or cheering for the Chiefs; they cherished their moments together. Margaret enjoyed cooking for family gatherings with her favorite being Thanksgiving. She was a faithful servant of each church she attended serving in multiple ministries.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Ed Childress Sr and Bertha Wells Childress, father and stepmother Lincoln M. Childress Sr and Myrtle Childress, mother and stepfather Dolly D. Ellis Thomas and Curtis Thomas; grandson Eriq Larenz Goode-Cohens; and six siblings.

Margaret leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband of 57 years Edward L. Goode, Sr., her three children, Diahann Goode of Little Rock, AR, LaTrisha Goode Simmons of Broken Arrow, OK, Edward Lemont Goode, Jr (Tamyra) of Kansas City, MO; one step-daughter, Veronda Johnson; eight grandchildren; Ellis Goode, Stefani Cohens, Jaylon Goode, Markus (Lillias) Simmons, Edward “Tre” Goode,III, Tonniah Simmons, Jayla Goode and Gillian Malone; four great grandchildren, Sabryia Cohens, Jaidyn Cohens, Ch’Velle Craddock and Dreon Miller; seven sisters, Marilyn Walker, Delores Collins, Beatrice (Lenell) Armstrong, Willie Mae (Willie) Walker, Inez (Ivery) Johnson, Dianne (Les) Woodcox, Lucille (Theodore) Travis; two brothers, Monroe (Patricia) Thomas and Jim (Tammy) Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who loved her dearly.