William Goins

Dr. William Moreau Goins COLUMBIA - Visitation Services for Dr. William Moreau Goins will be held Friday, November 24, 2017, at Palmer Memorial Chapel Columbia. The public may view Friday from 2-7 PM with the family receiving friends from 5-7 PM. A private funeral service and internment will be held later. Dr. William Moreau Goins, affectionately known as "Will," departed this earthly life on Saturday, November 11, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the son of Elsie Taylor Goins and the late William M. Goins. Will Moreau Goins was a historic preservationist, published author, communications professional and community leader. He also was a folklorist, cultural presenter, chanter-singer, dancer, artist, education, arts administrator and advocate for diversity and multiculturalism. Dr. Goins served as CEO for the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina (State recognized), statewide tribal organization. Dr. Goins began his education in Washington, D.C., and was a graduate of Gonzaga College High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology and Communications from George Washington University; Master of Arts Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Admiration and a Ph.D. Degree from Pennsylvania State University. He initiated the South Carolina official observation of National Native American Indian Heritage Month, which was officially acknowledged as a statewide observance by 3 Governors. In 2013, Dr. Goins was instrumental in getting the South Carolina General Assembly to recognize November 18, as "Native American Awareness Day," in South Carolina, which will be celebrated annually. Dr. Goins had and expansive professional career and his experiences included: guest curator for a year-long exhibit "Traditions, Change and Celebration: Contemporary Native Artists in the Southeast," which featured more than 145 objects by 74 artists representing 28 different tribal affiliations, which appeared at McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. He assisted with the inaugural FolkFabulous Festival in 2013. He had continued to be a vital part of this festival up to 2017. Dr. Goins was the founder of the "Annual Southeastern Native American Indian Film and Video Festival," which presents a series of films produced by, directed by, and starring Native American people for the last twenty years. He was passionate about his film festival which he believed would serve to educate the public and expose one to diversified cultural heritages. Dr. Goins was the recipient of numerous awards including: the "2008 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award" which recognized his lifetime achievement in traditional arts. He published numerous books and articles. Dr. Goins was a strong supporter of the Arts Community with his roles in many musicals. Will served on numerous boards including: South Carolina Traditional Arts Network; the Modjeska Monteith Simkins Center for Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights; South Carolina Department of Mental Health Cultural Competency Committee; Chairman of the Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC); and on the Speakers' Bureau of the South Carolina Humanities Council. He leaves to cherish precious memories his devoted, loving and caring mother Elsie; his loving brother Wendell and devoted sister-in-law Mindy; and his sister Felicia; his four nieces: Amanda Catherine, Elizabeth Louise, Rebecca Renee, and Gwendolyn Patricia; three aunts: Joan Lee, Dorothy Taylor, Hiawatha Goins-Baron and Frances Goins; one uncle, John B. Taylor; and many loving cousins and other relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Will Moreau Goins Memorial Fund at Town Theater or Saint Peter's School, Children's Arts and Music Program in Honor of Dr. Goins. Please visit www.palmermemorialchapel.com for additional information.