Billie Lee Goodwin Billie Lee Goodwin passed away at 76 years of age on August 23, 2013 at 9:30 in the morning. She was surrounded by family when she quietly passed away. Billie was born on August 19, 1937 in Eureka, CA to William Harry Gallaway and Ruby Elizabeth Gallaway. She married the love of her life, Merlin William Goodwin Sr., on December 9, 1956 at a small church in Las Vegas. She became an exceptional homemaker and wonderful mother of four children, whom she cherished above all others. Once her children were grown, she became a waitress at her brother and sister-in-law's restaurant. She always greeted her customers with a smile and treated them like family. After a few years of waitressing she took a job at Murphy's Market in the Deli. She soon became a favorite in the community for her BBQ and her memorable personality. After retiring she worked with a local church charity and met new people and made many new friends. Throughout her life she treasured watching her grandchildren and great -grandchildren grow and the time she got to spend with them. Billie also loved to work in her flower garden, especially with her beautiful roses. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Her big smile and lovable laugh will live on in our hearts forever. Billie is survived by sons, Merlin Jr., Rocky, Gary, and daughter Tamera including their spouses. Billie is also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and brother Harry Gallaway, sisters: Arlene Ghera, Doris Fearrien and Betty Brazil including many nieces and nephews. Billie is preceded in death by her husband Merlin William Goodwin Sr., parents William Harry and Ruby Elizabeth Gallaway and brother Bobby Gallaway. A memorial service will be held in honor of Billie on September 7th, 2013 at Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Rd. McKinleyville, CA 95519 from 1:30 to 4:00. Anyone wishing to celebrate the beautiful life of Billie is welcome to attend. In Memory Of Mothers are very special, Especially mine, She took care of each of us, One day at a time. She loved us unconditionally, Always by our side, When no one else would listen, In her we could confide. Her laugh was contagious, And her smile like no other, All of us were proud to say, That she was our Mother. We know you won't ever be lonely, As you were greeted by Dad, We will always have your memory, To dry our tears when we are sad. We always knew you were an Angel, And that we were so blessed, Because when God took you in his arms, We knew he only takes the Best. With Love, Your Daughter Tamera Collins You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com. Please click on obituaries.
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Dear Cousins,
What a beautiful tribute you wrote for our dear auntie. She was truly one of a kind and probably the most generous loving lady I've ever known. Thank you for sharing all of her wonderful personality traits so that everyone who reads the obituary will get an idea of who she was. I will miss her so much.
Love,
Cindy
September 14, 2013
Dear Goodwin family, Lauren and I send our condolences for the loss of Billie. We will remember her as the kind and friendly person she was.
Mel & Lauren Shuman
September 9, 2013
Teresa Williams
September 8, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Billie's passing. I thought I just passed her on the road a few weeks ago. I loved that lady! She was a firecracker! :) My thoughts and love are with your family. Tammy, your words were beautiful. <3
Sarah Warvi
September 7, 2013
Kimberly Pricer
September 7, 2013
Dick Fearrien
September 7, 2013
Linda Kindred
September 7, 2013
I am fortunate to have known "Mom" and have her in my life even though for a few years. A sweet truly warm loving person, she always made me laugh with her stories. I'll miss her but I know buddy and the rest of heaven is a much happier place with her blackerry pie and the BEST macaroni salad ever love, your city daughter.d
Susan Brockway
September 7, 2013
I am fortunate to have known "Mom" and have her in my life even though for a few years. A sweet truly warm loving person, she always made me laugh with her stories. I'll miss her but I know buddy and the rest of heaven is a much happier place with her blackerry pie and the macaroni salad ever love, your city daughter.d
Susan Brockway
September 6, 2013
Doris Fearrien
September 6, 2013
jackie pricer
September 6, 2013
For one of the best Angels God ever placed on this earth. My heart feels broken! What will we do to replace Billie's smile, her happiness, the laughter and love she displayed in every thing she did. As she was my cousin we had so much fun together. She made cakes, and I was lucky enough to be a helper. She made so many weddings, birthdays, and anniversary cakes my how beautiful they were. Every thing she did was top of the mark, even though her heart was so sick. No complaining! Not from her, she was 76 going on 18! All that knew her have lost a great friend! I am sick to have her gone. I love you Billie Lee, Carleen
Carleen Sutherland
September 6, 2013
Billie was such a genuine and beautiful person. I always looked for her to wave and honk every time she drove by our home. She never failed to whip out her photos of all her grandchildren. She was so proud. I had the pleasure of seeing her one last time while eating dinner at the Blue Lake Casino. She will always be close to our hearts. She will be greatly missed. My prayers to the family.
Natashalei and Brandon Daly/Fisher
September 6, 2013
We will miss her and her wonderful personality. She was a one of a kind. Our condolences.
Ernie and Cheryl Johnson
September 5, 2013
I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Death is never something we get use to. But know during this time you are not alone. Our Creator promises better days ahead. He will give you the strength needed to get through this difficult time.
Phil
September 5, 2013
My Sweet Auntie,
My memories with you go all the way back to my childhood..And every one of them is filled with your love, your never ending smile, your silly jokes and your goofy personality..I loved going with my Dad visit you and Grandma, you always made me feel loved and always made me laugh.I also remember the stories you shared with me about my Grandpa Gallaway, They meant so much to me. I also enjoyed working with you at the Coney Island, it was so much fun..Yes Auntie, you have always been an Angel, and I know that your at peace now with Grandma Ruby,Uncle Buddy,Uncle Irvan and my Dad. You have and always will be in my heart forever, I am going to miss you soo much Aunt Billie, I Love You..
Troy Gallaway
September 4, 2013
rina ellsworth
September 4, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Billie was such a good neighbor and a beautiful person.
Fred & Deanna Metcalfe
September 4, 2013
Billie you are and will always be an angel. I had the pleasure of working with you at Murphy's Market in Cutten several years ago and lost contact for a while. Soon enough you entered the pharmacy I worked at and I couldn't have been more happy to see your beautiful smile once again. My personal favorite of Billie's was her twice baked potatoes :) She was so kind to bring me a few at my work place. Well we are all going to miss you and may you rest in peace. ?
Casey Edwards
September 4, 2013
I Love you so much Grandma! You are a true Angel.
Tashayna Gulihur
September 4, 2013
We will always remember "Billie" she was always the life of party. We will truly miss her quick wit and her sweet smile. R. I. P BILLIE your spirit will live on in our hearts.
Wes & Jerri Ann Ammer
September 4, 2013
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