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Calvin Goode Obituary
Phoenix - Goode, Calvin C., 93, of Phoenix passed away on December 23, 2020. Mr. Goode served continuously on the Phoenix City Council from January 2, 1972 - January 3, 1994, serving 11 consecutive terms. He was the longest tenured elected official in the history of the City of Phoenix, serving as Vice Mayor in 1974 and 1984. The Phoenix City Hall was renamed the Calvin C. Goode Municipal Building in his honor.
Councilman Goode lived a life of community service, advocating for equal opportunity, affordable housing, education, and improving the quality of life in Phoenix, through a wide range of organizations and was a longtime active member of the Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church.
Mr. Goode leaves to cherish his memory three sons—Vernon (Zina), Jerald, and Randolph (Natalie); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation: Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 12:00 Noon-4:00PM outside the Calvin C. Goode Municipal Building located at 251 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Services will be virtual on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:00AM via Zoom and Facebook Live using the information below:
ZOOM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87426787724?pwd=cHpLbXdkcURIRFF5UlRYTVVtbHl0UT09
OR CALL
(669) 900 6833
Meeting ID: 874 2678 7724
Passcode: 994517
FACEBOOK LIVE
https://facebook.com/20South8thSt/live
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following.
•George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center: www.azfoundation.org/CalvinGoode
•Booker T. Washington Child Development Center: www.btwchild.org
•A.C.T. Goode Scholarship, NFBPA-Central Arizona Chapter: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GR6TFZHRDDGPG&Z3JncnB0=
•STARS Scholarship, South Mountain Community College: www.southmountaincc.edu/paying-college/scholarships/stars
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Goode
Sponsored by South Mountain Mortuary.
Patricia Hamlin
December 31, 2023
Cousin Calvin: Missing your incredible presence & remembered always in my heart.
Patricia Hamlin
January 6, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Patricia Hamlin
January 2, 2023
It was a pleasure to be in your encouraging and loving presence.
betty cunningham
December 31, 2022
A very beautiful and honest man.
Lisa Gelczis
February 10, 2021
While I did not know Mr. Goode personally, as a graduate student of social work, I am inspired by his values, work and approach to service. He worked diligently to promote civil rights, improve access to education and build strong communities with a focus on underserved populations. He did this with thoughtfulness, kindness and perserverance. These are the qualities I wish to embody as a social worker. My heart goes out to family members and friends as they mourn their loss. The work goes on and the way is lighted by the inspiring life of Calvin Goode.
Reinstallation 2017
Carol Berry
January 18, 2021
I will forever appreciate the kind, gentle and encouraging Honorable Calvin Goode. Mr. Goode was very instrumental in my appointment to the Phoenix Municipal Court. After I was appointed, he asked me how it was going. I started to tell him about it and he stopped me and said, "Just remember, you asked for it". The photo is from my reappointment installation in June 2017. He was at the Council meeting for another matter but took the time to greet and congratulate me. An Arizona Informant photographer took the picture.
Lyle Richardson
January 13, 2021
A good man who lead by example. I was honoured to know him.
Tyrone Walker
January 12, 2021
It is with heavy heart that I offer these few words upon the passing of the Honorable Calvin C. Goode, whom served as a mentor, friend, inspiration, and icon.
I met Mr. Goode when I was a college student-activist and fondly recall our introduction, interaction and the stoking of my keen interest in tracking him as a community pillar, consensus builder, achiever, mover and shaker.
I immediately noticed, despite my youthful eagerness, that he lived and demonstrated ways to achieve desired results with humility and humbleness, in addition to steadfastness and conscious, without the braggadocio, “in your face,” antics that others chose to pursue at the time.
Later, I worked on his last re-election campaign. I recall my involvement as not only an opportunity to work with a great man, but an education and experience to see first-hand how to live through, outgrow and handle challenges under pressure.
A consummate family man, (with many kudos to wife Georgia and recognition of his sons), and a deep imbedded faith, he always provided the oft forgotten need for recognition of humanity and impact on people in all that transpires.
I will always regard my friendship with Mr. Goode as an invaluable treasure and gift to my personal development, which
helped me to define my own commitments, giving courage to action for change.
It was because of him, that my own thoughts on public service began to take root, and my personal desires for community improvement action began to formulate.
More so, through Mr. Goode, I was given the opportunity to see a Master in action when shepherding community goals guided by personal commitments, achieve fruition for all to benefit.
I offer this testimony, to honor his legacy. A legacy that should and will transcend time as being a beacon for change for a better society.
He was, and is, without question, someone to emulate when the humbleness of his beginnings is compared with the vastness of his achievements. In a world that has severely skewed toward the glorification of personal achievement as if there were no predecessors, Mr. Goode is a monumental reminder that we are here because of others’ sacrifices, strong back and shoulders, due to their belief that selflessness will enable a better tomorrow for those you care for most. Let us not forget the lesson, the strength, and the man whom through his conviction and belief, exemplified commitment to positive purpose. It’s about continuance, to move towards a better tomorrow as envisioned and forged by the Honorable Mr. Calvin C. Goode.
My heart truly bemoans the passing of this giant of a man, with sincerest condolences to his family. I stay firmly planted in the belief, that his many efforts will continue to flourish, and that the society he envisioned is not outside possibility, but a domain he occupies. With perseverance, we will meet again, when we arrive.
Patricia Hamlin
January 12, 2021
It was an honour to be in your presence. Well done my faithful servant.
Patricia Hamlin
January 12, 2021
My prayers will continue for the family. His memory will forever live in our hearts forever.
Kim Dorney
January 12, 2021
Mr. Goode expressed his goodness, thoughtfulness and quiet pressure in every encounter. As a City of Phoenix staff member, I was fortunate to work on housing and community development. When we met, he always asked about my sons and well-being first. Then we'd discuss the issue at hand. As soon as one project was approved, he'd ask about the next--knowing the former would get done and that building momentum was essential. He firmly led our city on a path of good works for neighborhoods, community, poor, youth...and making Phoenix better.
Condolences to his family. God bless,
Margaret Spicer
January 12, 2021
Mr. Goode was a shining light of love and inspiration for me. Will always treasure his encouraging words and strong arms that literally held up the Eastlake Park community. Mr. Goode, rest in power and light.
Sharon J Fontenot
January 12, 2021
Thank you for your support..I have my Dietary Manager degree..with out Mr.Goode and the board i wouldn't have any considered going back to college...Thank you, Sharon (BOBO) Fontenot
Darlene Martinez
January 12, 2021
Mr. Calvin Goode, was a man of distinction. I was honored to serve with him on the board of the Planning and Development Commission. On a personal note. He was a sweet man and genuine person. He has done so much for our community. I will miss his laughter.
Pastor Samm Duncan
January 12, 2021
Mr. Calvin Goode, a man of integrity! Thank you for every contribution toward making us us better.
William Smith
January 12, 2021
Brother Goode you will be missed by all who knew you. Rest In Peace God's good and faithfulservant.
Frank Monahan
January 12, 2021
Thank you for your service and for the history lessons of Phoenix past.
Jerry and LeNora Hart & Family
January 10, 2021
Mr. Calvin Goode was well respected in the community. He spent much of his life in service to others in a variety of roles, all with the primary goal of bringing positive improvement to their lives. He was certainly a fantastic role model for many that knew him. We will surely miss him and pray that God will continue to provide comfort to his family.
Dorene Washington
January 10, 2021
Mr. Goode was the epitome of Manliness. He was a wonderful mentor and was like a Father. He spoke many words of wisdom, correction, insight, and understanding into my life. I remember sitting back watching him, Ms. Georgie, and my Mother chat and laugh. They are all together once again. His quiet manner, and his strength are eternally imprinted on my heart and spirit. My condolences to his Sons, Daughter-in-laws, and Family.
Safiyah Goode
January 10, 2021
Cousin Calvin as a humble and kind man ,when he lived in the mountains he was even kind to the animals, setting out fruit and nuts for the squirrels, when snow was on the ground. You gave so much of yourself, you will be missed by many.
Safiyah Goode
January 10, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Dr. Maxine Williams
January 10, 2021
Mr. Goode was God's servant who never grew tired of serving his community. He was a kind and gentle friend, a gentleman and a great colleague. At 94 years of age, his constant words to me were, "I just want to know what more the Lord has for me to do." He never grew weary, and now he is able to rest. Rest in God's bosom Calvin. Sons, be strong in the Lord, and never tire of well-doing.
Cecile Pettle
January 10, 2021
It was a privilege, as a member of the City of Phoenix Budget Department, to get to speak with Mr. Goode about his budget priorities for the community.
Mr. Goode’s top priority never wavered: young people and their educational and recreational needs and the value to all of us for those needs to be met.
The Budget Department responded to many questions asked by Mr. Goode over the years. They were fair questions; always respectfully asked. His speaking style was quiet and powerful. And, he listened to others.
As he walked through City Hall, or along downtown streets, he spoke to everyone. Everyone knew him.
We all benefit from Mr. Goode’s work.
Lisa Hargrave
January 9, 2021
Calvin C Goode, is my uncle he was a kind and generous person with many people he I loved by many he is missed and will continue to be missed, he has done wonderful things for the community for his family and the world I love you very much uncle Calvin your niece Lisa.
Mark and Velma McKinney
January 9, 2021
Sorry for the Loss of Mr. Goode, Praying with you and for you and the family.
L. C. DeMON CAREY
January 9, 2021
Brother CALVIN C. will be GREATLY missed with his STRONG OPINIONATED, Thought Provoking VIEWS for discussion on Any Subject Matters. He was always able to sharing what he was thinking, and GREATLY APPRECIATED. RIP, from the many boards, which we shared and served.
Catina Miller
January 9, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Qing Sheng
January 9, 2021
Mr. Goode thank you so much for your help and love, you truly changed my life. Rest in peace. You will be missed! My deepest condolences to the Goode family. Lots of love from Germany!
Art Hamilton
January 8, 2021
We will miss you my friend. You and your wonderful "Georgie" are together again. We are all better to have shared the world with the two of you. Rest in peace.
January 8, 2021
What an outstanding person Mr Goode was. He is leaving behind his hard work and dedication to improving his Phoenix community. May his legacy bring more inspiration to others to continue his hard work and dedication. May his good work never be forgotten.
BETTY JUNIEL
January 8, 2021
Calvin Goode was a very kind, considerate and caring person. He helped many people in Arizona, and he will certainly be missed. We need more community leaders like Mr. Calvin C. Goode.
Lizette Davis
January 8, 2021
Mr Goode thank you for your sacrifice and years of service to better our communities. May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the Goode family. Much love !
Kelvin Dwight Goode
January 8, 2021
Uncle CALVIN you will truly be mis but I will never forget you. Uncle you was a great example for the family
Goode4real
Gregory Scott
January 7, 2021
I have fond memories of Mr. Goode. Among them seeing Mr. Goode, his sons, my dad and I all playing basketball during the Carver Museum dedication ceremony years ago. Peace has come to pass after a long and fruitful life. Blessings upon the Goode family.
betty Cunningham
January 7, 2021
A very kind and giving man.
Alton Washington
January 7, 2021
Mr. Goode was a beacon of light and grace while as a servant leader on the Phoenix City Council for more than twenty years. Literally tens of thousands of children benefited from his support of early childhood education with the head start program that he brought to Phoenix over the years.
Mr. Goode embodied all of the principles you would want in an elected official whose sole purpose was to be the advocate for the least of us in our community.
Mr. Goode was Phoenix in all of the "goodness" that he demonstrated by the way he carried and lived his life. We all are better off today because of his service to our community.
We all owe the Goode family a debt of gratitude for allowing us to benefit from the good works of Mr. Goode that he shown not only during his service as an elected official with the City of Phoenix but the broader community as well. He is definitely our point of pride in Phoenix.
Well done our faithful servant.
Elsie Wilkes
January 7, 2021
Mr. Goode thank you so much for all of the advice, help & love you showed to me when I was a member of Tanner & after I left. Vernon, Jerald & Randy were the brothers I never had and I thank & love each of you for sharing both of your parents.
Stephanie Rhymes
January 7, 2021
May the Lord strengthen and guide the Goode family during this time. Mr. Goode will be missed.
Posey Moore Nash
January 7, 2021
Thank you for your outstanding service to our community. Rest in peace sir.
Frances A Ramos
January 7, 2021
Mr. Goode you were an inspiration to the state of Arizona. I remember you well all the things you did for South Phoenix. My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you for a great job
Senina Woods Harris
January 7, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Attebery
January 7, 2021
Condolences to the family. Calvin was truly a man for our times. Outstanding. Very effective. I learned a lot from Calvin just by watching his style.
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