Frances Eastburn Goodman

In the midst of a Texas thunderstorm, on a hot August evening, Frances Eastburn Goodman passed away peacefully just weeks from her 93rd birthday. The loving family and caring nursing staff who witnessed her passing had also witnessed her slipping away from the life and the dear ones she cherished. The cruel thief that is Alzheimer's cheated her and her family of years of raucous laughter, great adventures and sweet memories.

Frances was born in Mobile, Alabama on Sunday, September 6, 1931 and departed this life on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Thelma Eastburn, her siblings, Carl, Jr., Lorraine Shomaker, and Barbara Jean Ginn, and her adoring husband, Robert Lee Goodman.

Frances graduated from Sam Houston High School, Houston, Texas, in 1948 where she was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp and lettered in Band, Swimming and Bowling. She married Robert L. Goodman in 1953. She raised their three sons and provided leadership as a Cub Scout Den Mother until each progressed to Boy Scouts. In 1968 she attended Boy Scout Leadership Training in England, earning her "Woodbadge" certification. In the early 1970s, she served as the summer camp nurse at Camp El Rancho Cima in the Texas hill country near San Marcos. In 1972 Frances was awarded "The Silver Fawn" for Distinguished Service to Boyhood by the Sam Houston Area Council. Returning to school at the University of Houston, she earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Radiology Technology and worked many years in Houston area doctor's offices as a "Rad Tech".

Frances was a prolific seamstress, studying dress making in Paris, France. She had that soft side, but wrangled a house of three boys and a husband in the hiking, canoeing, sailing and camping excursions that kept the family outdoors and on the move. She loved singing and dancing and treasured her time at church.

She is survived by her brother Charlie (Deanna) of Groesbeck, Texas, her three sons: Paul (Barbara) Goodman of Gulfport, Florida, Kenneth (Sharon) Goodman of Pearland, Texas, and John (Rosa) Goodman of Houston; three grandchildren: Alex (Samantha) Goodman of Houston, Dez (Bryan) Matthews of Hammond, Louisiana, David Goodman of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. A dear great-granddaughter, Leena Goodman, and her brother-on-the-way will sadly never know the love and attention Frances would have lavished upon them.

The family wishes to thank the gentle, caring staff of Magnolia Assisted Living Facility in Cypress, Texas and the dedicated nurses of Next Level Hospice Care of Houston, each of whom helped Frances immensely.

A celebration of Frances' life will be held at South Park Funeral Home and Cemetery (1310 N. Main, Pearland, TX) on Thursday, August 22, 2024, beginning at 10:00am. The family asks those who attend come attired as a joyful tribute to Frances. She loved any party, happy times, bright colors, and silliness. She was never a fan of black, somber clothing. In that spirit, please join the family in festive attire at South Park Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church, 2314 N. Grand Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581.