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Constance Goode Obituary

DR. CONSTANCE LEE BOYD GOODE ROCKFORD - Community activist and educator Dr. Constance Lee Boyd Goode was called to be with the Lord on April 14, 2015. A resident of Rockford for more than 50 years, Dr. Goode (Connie) was recently honored with a Selah award for her work as an African-American woman educator. She is fondly remembered by many as a champion for children and a drum major for justice. Born August 9, 1938, at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Goode was the only child of the late Leroy Boyd of Paducah, Kentucky and Emma Barbee Boyd of Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Englewood High School in 1956. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University in 1959; her Master's degree in Counseling from Northern Illinois University in 1971, and her Doctorate degree in Continuing Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1982. Connie's vocational experiences included the St. Charles Detention Center For Boys where she was an Occupational Therapist; Singer Zone Center where she was a social worker; The Office of Economic Opportunity where she served as the Director of Outreach; the Rockford Board of Education where she was a teacher, counselor and administrator; Booker Washington Center where she served as the Executive Director; and Northern Illinois University where she was a professor in Curriculum and Instruction. Although she served in many capacities her first love was teaching and counseling. Connie grew up in the church at Prairie Avenue Baptist in Chicago, IL. She played piano for Sunday school and church services. Additionally, she studied music at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and loved all kinds of music from Amazing Grace to Bach, Beethoven and B.B. King. In her spare time, Connie was a community activist with a firm belief in the inalienable rights of all people. She marched for civil rights alongside the late Dr. E. H. E. Gilbert in the 1960s and fought for those who were not always able to fight for themselves, particularly as it relates to issues affecting women and people of color. Connie was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and several organizations, including the NAACP, TAUS, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Connie was a great wife and loving mom and is survived by her husband, Alphonso; her son, Andre (Kimberley); daughter, Alicia (Zeather Gladney); grandchildren, Krystalyn, Garrison, Gabriella, and Kaylyn; and a host of dear friends, card buddies and former students whose lives were touched by her passion for excellence. A memorial service will be held in her honor at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2nd, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1703 S. Central Ave., Rockford, IL 61102. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Connie Goode Scholarship Fund c/o the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 946 N. Second Street, Rockford, Illinois 61107. www.cfnil.org

Published by Rockford Register Star from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Constance Goode

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Very special person in my life.

E Nelson Richards

April 12, 2022

Mrs. Goode was one of the Matriarchs in my life. A very good friend of the family. She and Mr. Goode RAISED their children. Old school parents who produced people who knew what to do! Me and Gail recently took photos in front of her picture on the waterfront. We were pleasantly surprised to "see" her their. Much blessings and love from Ant and the fam.

Everette Anthony Harris and Family

Friend

April 12, 2022

Al,
I am hoping to be at the service tomorrow. But, I want you to know how much I always enjoyed Connie over the years we shared work and joy. She was a marvelous woman, and I know losing her is a blow to the whole family.
Barbara Pittman

May 1, 2015

Connie was a great friend to Rockford Health System. She gave us her time and wisdom as an advisor and shared her husband Al with us who was a valuable Board member for many years. Our sympathy to family and friends.

Dan Parod

April 30, 2015

I met Connie through my sister who lives in Rockford. I will always remember the intellectual stimulating conversations, and her great sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to be in her presence. God bless the Goode Family.

James Bradley

April 28, 2015

Give her the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates.. Proverbs 31
Dr. Goode remains one of the most exceptional women God created to love and teach children. The honor of knowing her and having the privilege to receive her guidance as a young educator will always be a highlight within my teaching career. The Lord calls many, but few are chosen to bring Extraordinary Brilliance to those sent there way. I am very thankful to have experienced this extraordinary light God placed within the heart of Dr. Goode. Her wisdom and principles of ensuring all children receive a quality education will continue to light the paths of future generations as we share with the world what God gave to us in this Bright and Brilliant Star!! Her legacy and brilliance continues to live on.
To her husband and children, we pray God's Blessings upon you always!
In Jesus Christ our Lord,
Angela and Bruce Carter

Angela Carter

April 27, 2015

Who knows the right words to say at this time, but believing in the Lord this will give you the strength for any challenges bought before you. We have a long history of believers in our family that have kept us through all difficult times. Our prayers go out to Al, Alicia, Andre and family. We loved Connie, for her intelligence and sense of humor. But God loved her more. I can hear God saying to Connie in her end days, "Well done my faithful servant.Come on Home and rest".

Melvin & Gloria Shelton

April 24, 2015

"Come unto me, all ye that labor...and I will give you rest" She certainly labored, now it is time to for her to rest! Our prayers remain with you all. Much love from Everette "Anthony" and Melba Harris

Everette Harris

April 24, 2015

Connie was a genuine person; always talking straight, expressing her beliefs --which were right on. We cannot attend the service but pray for
Connie and you and Andre and Alicia.

Barbara and John McNamara

April 23, 2015

Connie,may you rest in peace with the Lord! You fought the Goode fight.Jeffrey and Sabrina Crews.

Jeffrey Crews

April 23, 2015

Claude & Mary Box

April 22, 2015

Al, Alicia and Andre our prayers go out to you and your families. Connie will be missed. She was a giant of a person. Great lady and loving friend. She marched to her own beat. Civil rights actvist and motivator thru education. May she finally rest in peace.

Love Always,

Dr. Herbert Jackson and Edna Jackson
Chris and Kelli Jackson

Herbert Jackson

April 22, 2015

Alicia

My prayers are with you in the lost of a very wonderful dynamic and encouraging person. Rockford will miss one of the legends. She is smiling right now in peace.

God Bless Always,

Landrae Box-Webb and Family

Landrae Box-Webb

April 21, 2015

May God bless the family. Connie was a one of a kind, and was involved in the Rockford community for many years and Pilgrim Baptist Church. She helped so many people and children during her lifetime and blessed them.

Nan Mynatt

April 21, 2015

Andre, my heart goes out to you and your family! Connie was so good to me! She made me behave!!! May God continue to give you and Mr. Goodey strength during this most emotional time!!! My prayers are with you!!! Take care of your dad!!! Here's a prayer/poem for the family:

GOD LOOKED AROUND HIS GARDEN
AND FOUND AN EMPTY PLACE.

HE THEN LOOKED DOWN UPON THIS EARTH,
AND SAW YOUR TIRED FACE.

HE PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU
AND LIFTED YOU TO REST.

GOD'S GARDEN MUST BE BEAUTIFUL
HE ALWAYS TAKES THE BEST,

HE KNEW THAT YOU WERE SUFFERING
HE KNEW YOU WERE IN PAIN

HE KNEW THAT YOU WOULD NEVER
GET WELL ON EARTH AGAIN.

HE SAW THAT THE ROAD WAS GETTING ROUGH
AND THE HILLS WERE HARD TO CLIMB.

SO HE CLOSED YOUR WEARY EYELIDS,
AND WHISPERED PEACE BE THINE

IT BROKE OUR HEARTS TO LOSE YOU
BUT YOU DIDN'T GO ALONE

FOR PART OF US WENT WITH YOU
THE DAY GOD CALLED YOU HOME.

Respectfully Submitted By Ms. Rolanda Brigham

April 21, 2015

This poem is a tribute to the spirit who most recently manifested as Connie Goode. My late mother and father, Thomas J. Jones, and Maeola G. Jones welcome Connie into the realm of the ancestors where their friendship lives on eternal.

for Connie

WHO YOU BE
WE BE SHAPE SHIFTERS, WE ECHOED WHISPERS.
WE MAGICALLY EBONY BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
WE BE NATION BUILDERS.
WE POWER YIELDERS.
WE BE ANCIENT AFRIKAN PROPHECY FULFILLERS.
WHO YOU BE?
WE LITERAL RITUALS LIVING WHOLE.
WE SPOKEN SPIRITS SPEAKING SOUL.
SOUND FOUNDATERS, WE FUNKY INNOVATORS.
WE BE ONYX- ESSENCE RHYTHM MAKERS.
WE BE HIP-HOP JAZZ, BE-BOP BLUES.
WE BE MESSENGERS OF MELODIC TRUTHS.
WHO YOU BE?
WE BE THE PROGENY OF CELESTIAL ENERGY,
WE INDIGENOUS TO MAJESTY, THE EPITOME OF SYNERGY.
WE BE DEACONS OF DESTINY, DEATH DEFIANT!
WE LIFE GIANTS!
WE CAME FORTH BY DAY
AND BY NIGHT AND BY SCIENCE!
WE BE RA'S EYES METAMORPHISIZED
INTO METAPHORS OF SUN RISE!
WHO YOU BE?

Thank you Connie for teaching me
who I BE!
E. Augustus Jones

Edwin Jones

April 21, 2015

Dear Al and Family--
We keep in our hearts forever the memories of those we have loved.
Love and hugs
Joanne and Acy

Joanne Wycoff

April 20, 2015

I grew up with her Alicia and Dr. Goode was like my other mother. I will remember her always making laugh. She was a motivator and encourager to strive for improving yourself through higher education.
Rest in peace. Love always to her family.

Sincerely, Soror Kelli

Kelli Jackson

April 20, 2015

She was a quality human being. She'll be missed.

April 20, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of tender mercies give you the strength to endure during this difficult time. 1 Cor. 1:3,4.

B. King

April 20, 2015

Dear Al, Alicia, Andre and family... Connie was a good friend to many and shared precious times with us all. Some of her suggestions changed our lives. She was so proud of you and so very proud of her grandkids. We knew all of you - just like you were our own. It's such a blessing that she could see her family grow and blossom as you all have done....Our hearts are with all of you - as friends of Connie...

Cheralyn (Cooky) Randall

April 20, 2015

Alicia,

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. "Earth knows no sorrow that heaven cannot heal".

Yvonne Johnson
Choice Partners
Harris County Department of Education

Yvonne Johnson

April 20, 2015

Dr. Goode was truly a beautiful person and teacher, she will forever be missed and we will keep your family in our prayers.
Leonidas (Weatherby) Sherman

April 20, 2015

An awesome encourager. She never let you feel inadequate, but reminded you to be prepared. Will miss her humor and encouragement.

Beverly Blatcher-Owens

April 20, 2015

To the family of one of the best mentors i can remember. I had her as a counselor, and she encouraged me lots of time when i thought there was no solution to the situation at hand. I will miss her dearly. I have left the Rockford area, but the memories of Constance will live on for the rest of my days on this earth. God has definitely another angel by his side.

R.I.P Ms Goode you are one in a million

Evelyn Brewer- Lewis
Jackson,MS 39204

April 20, 2015

May her star continue to shine brightly....

Beth Robinson

April 20, 2015

Dr. Goode will always be our champion, her life blessed us in a multiplicity of ways. Thank you for the gift! Our prayers with the family.

John B. Newson, Jr.

April 20, 2015

My condolence to the family. May God grace you with comfort and strength.

Damita Lawson Collier

April 19, 2015

Sorry for your loss, may God bless and keep your family at this time.

Deborah Hempstead

April 19, 2015

To Mr. Goode, Andre and Alicia,

I am so sorry to learn of your loss.

I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Goode during the days when I used to babysit for Andre and Alicia. Mrs. Goode was a kind and wonderful family friend, who left quite an impression on me as I was growing up, trying to figure out my place in life. So, I thank her for all that she contributed toward my development as the woman that I have become.

Her many works certainly speak volumes as they relate to the Rockford community and beyond. And, if you have never heard the Deitrick Haddon song, "Well Done", it is a testimony that could very well have been written for Mrs. Goode.

Faithful servant, friend and teacher, you were amazing, and I thank you for your love, guidance and care.

My prayers are with the family during this time and in the days that follow.

Joan Sturgis

April 19, 2015

Al Commie was one of my best teachers i ever had. My prayers are with you and your family.

E Nelso (Ernie) Richards

April 19, 2015

Al, Connie was one of my best teachers. My prayers are with you and your family.

E. Nelson (Ernie) Richards

April 19, 2015

To the Goode Family,

I want you to know that you are in my prayers. May God keep you and comfort you in your sorrows.
God Bless, Delbert D. Denny Jr.

April 19, 2015

Connie, you were one of my mentors who became a true friend. Thanks for your guidance and love.
Family, I will miss her but I know you will miss her much much more. She touched many lives in the short time she was here. Thanks for sharing her with me and so many others. To God be the Glory for her life and precious memories.
Dr. Chigozie Achebe
Baltimore, MD

April 19, 2015

Wonderful lady I had her for a counselor n high school

Gladys king

April 18, 2015

Connie was more than an activist, she was a leader and I was honored to help her in a few of her many projects. Blessings on the family and the community.

Stanley Campbell

April 18, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Johnnie & Cynthia Dishman-Moore

April 18, 2015

Although I have not seen Connie in a long time, I have fond memories of her. R.I.P.

Vivian Gaines

April 18, 2015

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