Willie Mae Barrett Goodlow

1938 - 2024

Willie Mae Barrett Goodlow
01/16/1938 - 11/03/2024
Willie Mae Barrett Goodlow, affectionately known as Dolly B. Goodlow, left us to be with our Savior and Lord on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 86. She was a beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, church missionary and community leader.
Dolly was born Jan. 16, 1938, in Barrett Station, TX, to Robert Elijah Barrett and Lillie Amos Barrett. A proud graduate of Charles R. Drew High School (1957), she continued her education at Lee College and San Jacinto College before earning her cosmetology license. Dolly B. worked in a beauty parlor before joining Humble Oil & Refinery Co. (now ExxonMobil). She retired from Exxon as Senior Lead Receptionist after 25 years of service, having made history as the first African American woman to retire from the Exxon Baytown Refinery. She was also recognized and honored with the title "Ms. Exxon" by the company's administrative staff.
A passionate advocate for her community, Dolly B. was deeply involved in local organizations and leadership. She served on the Barrett Station Civic League, the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Advisory Board, the Barrett Station Ministerial Alliance, and many others. Dolly B. was particularly dedicated to preserving the history of Barrett Station, working with her husband Lorenza to maintain the Barrett Station Evergreen Cemetery for nearly 40 years. She was awarded the 2011 Outstanding Caregiver of the Year Award, named Distinguished American by the Elias Carson Civic Association in 2004, and recognized as Outstanding Community Leader by Barrett Station residents in 2006.
As passionate about her work in her local church, Dolly B. begin her service to the Lord as a young girl, going to Sunday school and singing in the choirs at her family church -- Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Barrett Station, Texas. As she grew older, her attention turned toward teaching in Sunday school, joining the senior women's mission auxiliary, and holding an office on Shiloh's deaconess public relations committee. Even in her final days on earth, Dolly dedicated her life to serving in the capacity of an elder advisor and prayer warrior in her church, community – and of course – to young an old family members, extended relatives, and friends, locally and abroad.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lillie Barrett; her stepson, Ivan Goodlow; her son, Kelvin Lamar Matthews; her son-in-law, James Rickie Fontenot, Sr.; and, her daughter-in-law, Cherry Carabello Matthews.
She is survived by her children, Gary Matthews, Melody Matthews Fontenot, Robert Matthews, Rennie Matthews, Troy Matthews, and stepson Lorenza Goodlow Jr. (wife Victoria); siblings, Beatrice Barrett Hayden, Nelson Barrett (wife Patricia), and Rogers Barrett (wife Mary); 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A "Black History Month salute: Willie Mae Barrett Goodlow – Barrett Station leader | News | baytownsun.com" article was published on February 27, 2021 about her leadership and prominence in her community and during her career. Willie's biography now resides in the Baytown Lee College Black History archives collection.