Earl Goosby

EARL GOOSBY suddenly transitioned from life to reward on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 12:38 pm in Charleston, SC. Born on Saturday, June 23, 1928, he was the 6th of 9 nine children. He was preceded in death by parents, William and Georgia (nee Allen) Goosby; 3 of his brothers, George (Dorothy) Goosby, Clyde Goosby, and John (Virginia) Goosby; 3 of his sisters, Ella Mae (Albert) Taylor, Ruby (Alphonso) Berry, and Ethel Branch-Goosby; and his lifelong, steadfast friend, Dr. Clarence (Mildred) Currie. Mr. Goosby graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School (C'1947) where he ran track, played football, and performed in theater. He then attended and played football at Fisk University for the 1948-1949 school year. Drafted into the US Army in 1951 to serve in Germany during the Korean War, Mr. Goosby became a proficient gunner in the 91st AAA AW Battalion and ran track for the Army across Europe. He exemplified the Battalion's motto "We are not born for ourselves alone" for the entirety of his life. In 1958, Mr. Goosby graduated with a B.S. degree in Education from Indiana University Bloomington, where in 1954, he was initiated in the Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. After graduation, he returned to his beloved home in Gary. Mr. Goosby joined the Lake County Department of Public Welfare as a social worker, where he began his lifelong mission to help marginalized children, especially young Black children. He went to every length to place children into foster homes where they could be nurtured. While working full time and supporting his family, Mr. Goosby earned his M.A. degree in social work from The University of Chicago in 1974. In 1996, after 38 years of dedicated service to the Welfare Department, he retired as one of the county's Assistant Directors. In 2007, after 79 years as a resident of Gary, Mr. Goosby relocated to Moorpark, CA, where he was cared for by his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter. In 2015, the family relocated to Charleston, SC, where he lived until his passing. Mr. Goosby leaves to continue his legacy, daughter Dr. Jeri-Elayne Goosby Smith, granddaughter Aiah West Dailey Smith (Charleston), and grandson Daniel Quinton Vass-Goosby (Woodland Hills, CA); younger sister Vera Mathews and younger brother Donald Goosby, both of Gary; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Particularly dear to his heart were his special nieces Rita Flynn (Indianapolis), Stephanie Boleware (Gary), Jacquelyn Goosby, and Daveda Hawkins (Merrillville), who never forgot about him; his "number one" nephew, William Earl Goosby, Sr., who always lent a hand to help; his beloved godsons Stephen and Alan Currie; and River Boat and telephone buddy Michael Golden. To honor Mr. Goosby, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Crisis Center, Inc., a shelter for children in crisis. Charitable gifts may be made via their website www.crisiscenterysb.org, via mail at 101 N. Montgomery St., Gary, IN, 46403, or via his daughter. Visitation: Thursday, September 27, 2018 12-8 p.m. (Wake/Family Hour from 6-8p.m.) at Guy and Allen Funeral Home, 2959 W. 11th Avenue, Gary, IN, 46404. Services: Friday, September 28, 2018 11 a.m. at Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 2301 Washington St., Gary, IN, 46407, (visitation 9-11am). Officiant will be Presiding Elder Emeritus (Chicago District, 3rd Episcopal District, CME church), the Rev. Dr. Carrell K. Cargle, Sr. Interment: Fern Oaks Cemetery, 1518 E. Elm St, Griffith, IN 46319.