Phyllis B. Goldman

1932 - 2024

Phyllis B. Goldman

January 5, 1932 - August 11, 2024

Phyllis Goldman, 92, of Greensboro passed away August 11, 2024 at Well-Spring of Greensboro.

Phyllis was born in Norfolk, VA on January 5, 1932. She was a passionate artist, teacher and learner who dedicated much of her life to the creation of educational materials for children. Her three companies, Monkeyshines on America, Allosaurus Publishers, and Awesome Dragon Publishing created hundreds of books and magazines for use in the classroom to enrich learning for children. Awesome Dragon Publishing will continue under the watchful eye of new owner Katie Young.

Phyllis was a prolific artist who worked in various media, including painting, drawing, flower arranging, crocheting, and interactive artistic endeavors. In the early 1970's she taught art to children out of her home studio. She has had numerous art shows throughout the years, the most recent of which was hosted at Well-Spring Retirement Community.

Phyllis' love of science and ambitious nature provided her many interesting opportunities. Shortly after her 1956 marriage to Bert Goldman, she worked as a scrub nurse, one of the first people to assist with a new type of heart-lung machine during open heart surgery at the University of Virginia. Also, her adventurous spirit led her to enjoy traveling. As a young woman, she voyaged via ocean liner to Europe and trekked solo across Italy, the Alps and France. Later in life she traveled extensively with her husband and friends, including cruising to exciting locations.

Tennis, swimming and running were three of her favorite sports. She was an avid runner in her 40's and won age group prizes, recognition and medals in local five and 10k races.

Phyllis' love for animals extended from mynah birds to her deep affection for dogs. Her most recent devoted companion was Ronnie the goldendoodle, who lived with her at Well-Spring. They went everywhere together and could be seen walking the campus at Well-Spring as well as in stores and on restaurant patios. Ronnie is now living and working at the Kaos Farm for Goldendoodles.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Gail Rentsch (Werner); her daughters, Lisa Goldman (Michael Brown) and Linda McLaughlin (John); and her nephew, Dennis Rentsch (Nelly). Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Goldman; parents, Louis and Natalie Barkas; and stepmother, Ruth Barkas.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Phyllis' great love of animals, please feel free to donate to The Humane Society of the Piedmont at 4527 W Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27409.

We feel a deep gratitude for Phyllis' friends who constantly rallied around her, Sian Erskine, Katie Young, Ann Benner, the late Mary Lynn Grigni, and others. The members of the Well-Spring Skilled Nursing/Rehab team are truly extraordinary and helped her feel safe, loved and taken care of up until her final moments. Her Well-Spring Care Team along with Hospice of Greensboro worked tirelessly to give her comfort to ease the burden of her final steps in her journey, and their efforts will always hold a special place in our hearts.