Carol Deloris (Smith) Goodwin

Carol Deloris Smith Goodwin was born on July 12, 1943, to the late George Smith Jr, and Rosa Lee Weathers Smith in Columbia, South Carolina.  She received her formal education from local public schools in Richland County, South Carolina where she graduated from Webber High School, Class of 1961. She furthered her education at Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina . During her matriculation, she developed her gift for singing and was selected as a lead soprano in the national acclaimed Allen University Concert Choir. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Language Arts, graduating in the class of 1965. After graduation, she was immediately employed by Laurinburg Institute, a private school in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

Carol was married to the love of her life, the late Donald H. Goodwin, an enlisted man of the U.S. Air Force in Sumpter, South Carolina on August 27, 1966, and to that union, a son and a daughter were born.  Due to her husband’s military status, she was an educator in multiple states; South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida. During her time in Virginia, she worked for the Hampton Roads School District at Bethel High School, where she served as the cheerleading sponsor and assistant girls basketball coach. Carol and her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1979.  Upon her arrival, she was employed with the Duval County Public School System and worked at Fletcher Middle School, Jacksonville Beach, FL. While at Fletcher, Carol was a respected and honored colleague. She held the role of English Department Head for many years and was selected by the Florida Department of Education as a Florida Teacher Assessor.  After 45 years as an educator, she retired in 2010. She touched the lives of many students and imparted her scholastic abilities of the English discipline and love of William Shakespeare. Most importantly, she conveyed her love for life and left a profound legacy with every student she encountered.

Carol accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ and devoted her life to His teachings at an early age.  She joined Historic Mt. Zion AME Church (HMZ) in 1979 and remained an active member until her health declined.  Carol was a staunch member of her church serving on numerous boards and organizations.  She served as a Steward, Trustee and Stewardess.  She was also a very committed member and officer of the Women’s Academic and Cultural Society and the Lois J. Roberts Allenites, and with great dedication, held the position of Christian Education Director for many years.  Carol blessed HMZ with her God given gift and sang in various HMZ choirs during her tenure of servitude.

In 1989, she joined the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., Delta Delta Chapter. She was an active member and worked diligently with the Xinos and Kudos as the co- advisor for many years.

Loved by many for her infectious smile, laughter, passion, and love for others.  She was affectionately known as “Momma Too” by her grandchildren. Her title was so contagious, she ultimately became known as Momma Too to family and friends alike. She will be remembered most for her conviction to etiquette, wonderful taste in fashion, music, and the Arts.  Carol, (Momma Too) loved her family immensely.  She was known to make sure all were in attendance for gatherings and memorable milestones. Her children’s friends (Carol’s Angels) adored her and considered her a second mom and her house a home away from home.

Carol Deloris Smith Goodwin departed this life on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her faithful mother, Rosa Lee Smith; son, Reginald A. Goodwin (Holly); daughter, Rosalyn Y. Goodwin-Thompson; Granddaughters, Jocilyn D. Hamilton (Eric) and Janae D. Thompson; Grandsons; Ronnal Quarles , Reginald A. Goodwin II; Great-Grandchildren, Samiyah Quarles, Mariyah Quarles, Jasmine Quarles and Emery Hamilton; first-cousins raised as her brothers, Raphael Jones and Kenneth Jones Sr; raised as a bonus daughter and grandchildren, Alexis P. Goodman (Rico); Kaylah and Kennedy Matthews; Goddaughters, G. Edwina Scott and Mischelle Fields Smith, a niece, and a host of nephews, cousins and friends. A special recognition to a very devoted companion who she continued to travel and experience life with over the last 6 years, Mr. Sidney Weston.

Entombment:  Monday, July 10, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207

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