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HAMPTON - Gwen Rawls Goard, 79, passed away March 28, 2011. Gwen was born in Oak City, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Paul and Cora Rawls.
After moving to Newport News in 1941, Gwen attended Newport News public schools and graduated from Newport News High School in 1948. She served as a substitute teacher in the Newport News school system for many years and was very active in her church, Parkview Baptist.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph O. Goard; parents, Paul and Cora Rawls; brother, James Rawls; sisters, Joyce Neal and Shelia Wyatt; and special friend, Marshall Massengill.
She is survived by her loving family, daughter, Brenda G. Wood and husband, Robbie; son, Daniel J. Goard and wife, Arlene; grandchildren, Kendall Hunnicutt, Steven Goard, Brandon Wood and Justin Wood; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Bryce, and Sydney; brother, Paul W. Rawls and wife, Pat; sister, Susan Small; and brother-in-law, J.B. Neal. She was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2011, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home by the Rev. Russell Beck.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brenda and Danny, so sorry about your mom. Although we haven't kept in touch, I hope you will remember with fondness our times camping at Oregon Inlet. My dad loved your dad like a brother and your family was always special to our family. Take comfort in knowing your parents are together in God's home. Fondly, Linda, Ronnie and Roby
Linda Knight-Rody
April 2, 2011
Dear Brenda,
So sorry about your Mom. She was a wonderful person and we had such good times together. Will certainly miss her.
Love,
Eula Davis
April 2, 2011
Dear Brenda and Danny, Sherwood and I were so very sorry the see that you lost your mom. We had many good times together at ball games and Nags Head. She was such a spunky little lady with a heart of gold.
Sincerely,
Sherwood and Bettie Daniels
Bettie Daniels
March 31, 2011
Brenda,
Just wanted you and Danny to know you are in our prayers. I will always remember Nags Head, your parents and NNHS with your mother as a substitute.
Jean & Bruce Howell
March 31, 2011
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Danny. Always remember the memories. Love Ya
Belinda Langston
March 31, 2011
Danny and Brenda,
Im so sorry to read about your mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lee Cooper
March 31, 2011
Danny and Brenda,
I'm so sorry to read of your mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lee Cooper
March 31, 2011
Brenda, Danny, and family: You all will always cherish the memories of your mom being a wonderful wife, great mom, and wonderful grandmother. To those of us who have been blessed to share in her life, we will cherish her kindness, love for friendship and that positive, heart warming smile. My heart aches for your loss and the loss of a friend.
jennie easmeil-alexander
March 31, 2011
Brenda and Danny,
I am so sorry about your Mom. We were really good friends and I will always have fond memories of her.
Eula Davis
March 31, 2011
My deepest condolences, Brenda and family... We go back to the early 60s in Newmarket Village and her memory will always live on as a wonderful lady.
Billy Sauer
March 31, 2011
Brenda,
Bruce and I was so sorry to hear about your Mother. You know we loved her. We all have great memories down at Nags Head of both your parents. You and Danny are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jean & Bruce Howell
March 31, 2011
Dear Brenda and Danny
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Please be strong for each other and keep the faith. God will see you through.
I still miss you and all my friends in NN and Hampton. I enjoyed Gwen's humor so much and we always had a good laugh when we saw each other.
Hugs for both of you.
Doris L. Logan, Ringgold, Va
Doris Logan
March 31, 2011
Brenda & Family,
I remember loving the surprise when I went to class and she was there. Your Mom was very pleasant, a nice to be around person. I know this time is difficult, take care of yourselves. Love and hugs to all.
Violet D'Ambra
March 31, 2011
Brenda,
I was very sad to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was a very special lady and was a joy to know. I had her as a substitute teacher many times and I always enjoyed talking to her. She had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg Sutton
Greg Sutton
March 31, 2011
Brenda and Danny so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom and dad will be watching over you forever.
Kathy Cooper
March 30, 2011
Brenda and Danny:
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I used to run into your Mom out shopping sometimes and we would catch up on what everyone was doing. She will truly be missed by many.
Terry Arrington Cooper
March 30, 2011
Dear Brenda and Danny,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this time of sorrow. Your Mom was a wonderful Lady and will be truly missed by all that loved her. God Bless you and your families at this time.
Love, Barbara & Cissy
March 30, 2011
Brenda, Danny, and family,
My condolences to you all. Gwen's loving friendship with my dad was so good for both of them.
Marshall Massengill Jr.
March 30, 2011
Brenda and Danny, Sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mother was a fine Lady and will be missed. Take Care
Sonny Williams, Harrisburg NC
March 30, 2011
Dear Brenda...you have my deepest sympathy. Hold on to all the wonderful memories and they will help get you through this very tough time.
Wanda Sheffield
March 30, 2011
Dear Brenda, Danny and Family,
Sharing your sorrow, and hoping it will comfort you to know that many Hearts reach out to you in the loss of your dear Mom .
We thought a lot of your her, she always was a good Neighbor and I also considered her as my good Friend.
We will always remember her and miss her.
Our deepest Sympathy with Love,
Annamarie & Clinton
March 30, 2011
While I did not see her often, she was always warm, welcoming, and greeted others with a big smile. God bless your sweet soul Gwen.
Gregory Cutler
March 30, 2011
Dear Brenda and family,
I'm so sorry to read of your mother's passing. Cherish your memories of her, and she will live forever in your heart. Much love and sympathy to you and your family.
Suzanne Collier McKown
March 30, 2011
I am so sorry to learn of Gwen's passing. We were in NNHS(1944-1948) together and I thought she was the prettiest thing that ever walked on shoe leather. We were in our 70's before she ever knew that. Everybody loved her like a sister.
Sincere congolences to her family.
Bill Gross
William Gross
March 30, 2011
Brenda and Danny,
I know how ya'll are feeling and my heart is hurting for you. But, be encouraged that your Mother is with her Savior, Jesus, whom she trusted for eternal life with Him. I can vision her talking with Jesus, my Mom, Granddaddy, Gramdma, Joyce and many others. Hopefully you know Jesus as Savior so that one day soon we will all be reunited with our family that awaits us in heaven. 1 John 5:11 tells us that through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God gives us eternal life. My prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Love, Pam & Family
Pam Williams
March 30, 2011
Brenda & Family -
I am SO sorry for your loss! Gwen was a wonderful lady and will be missed very much! Take care of each other during this rough time! I hope that all of your loving memories of Gwen will help ease the pain a little. Sending BIG HUGS to all of you.
Love, Angie, Brian & Brianna Cutler
Angie Cutler
March 30, 2011
Brenda and Danny, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you will cherish all the wonderful memories and joyful times forever. I will hold close to my heart all the good memories of growing up together in Newmarket. God Bless
Pam Cooper Childress
March 30, 2011
Brenda and family, Thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Gwen was a very special friend and will be missed .
Ola Mae Weatherford
March 30, 2011
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