Barbara Davis Goodwin

Barbara Davis Goodwin passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Johns Creek, Georgia, with her children by her side. She was 83 years old.

Barbara was born on February 11, 1942, in Indianola, Mississippi, to James Cleland Davis and Marie Allday Davis. She grew up in Indianola, where she was an accomplished student and leader. A graduate of Indianola High School, Class of 1960, Barbara served as editor of the annual, vice president of her senior class, band majorette, and was honored as Miss Indianola High School.

She continued her education at Mississippi College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama. Barbara devoted much of her professional life to education, teaching elementary school at Greensboro Elementary School, Pickens Academy, and in the Hale County School System. In addition to classroom teaching, she shared her love of music as a piano teacher and served faithfully as organist at First Baptist Church of Demopolis.

Barbara was married to the love of her life, Dr. James Denton (Denny) Goodwin, with whom she shared many years of ministry and service. Together they supported church communities throughout Alabama before moving to the Atlanta area in 2007 to be closer to family.

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, Barbara lived a life marked by faithful service to God and others. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Roswell, where she taught and was active in the Fellowship Class, served four years as an officer of the Foundation Board, co-led Women on Mission for nine years, and was ordained as a deacon. Her faith shaped every part of her life-as a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, church leader, musician, and friend.

In recent years, Barbara faced Alzheimer's disease with dignity and grace. Her family was grateful to support her in remaining in her home and living as independently as possible, a gift made possible in large part through the devoted care of Maria Zamora, who lovingly served as Barbara's live-in caregiver during her final year. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Bill Parsons, a close and faithful friend, who helped Barbara remain engaged with her church community and social activities. She passed quietly and peacefully, now restored in mind and body and reunited in Christ with her husband, her parents, and loved ones who went before her.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Amy Goodwin Gamble (Jonathan) of Johns Creek, Georgia, and her son, Jonathan Allen Goodwin (Lori) of Woodstock, Georgia. She leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Helen Marie Goodwin, Abigail Rose Goodwin, Bryant Cleland Gamble, and Coleman Handley Gamble.

She is also survived by her brother, James Davis (Martha) of Dunwoody, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Harold Goodwin (Emy) of Pascagoula, Mississippi; nieces Lauren Davis Tugman (Jonathan) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jennifer Goodwin Nelson (David) of Pascagoula, Mississippi; nephews Austin Davis (Lindsay) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Darren Goodwin of Pascagoula, Mississippi; great-nieces Evelyn Davis of Atlanta and Piper Goodwin of Pascagoula; and great-nephew Charles Tugman of Atlanta.

Barbara's legacy is one of faithfulness-to God, to her family, and to the many people she served through her teaching, music, and church leadership. Her life reflected the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Roswell.

To honor her life and the life of her husband, the family has established a scholarship fund to benefit a graduating senior of the First Baptist Church of Demopolis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund in her name in care of the First Baptist Church of Demopolis, PO Box 1009, Demopolis, AL 36732. Burial will take place the following week at the Indianola Cemetery in Indianola, Mississippi, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband and parents.