Denise Selden Goode

God called Denise Selden Goode home to eternal peace on September 10, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. She was born on December 23, 1953, in Bedford, Virginia to the late George Calvin Selden, Jr and Esther Holley Selden.

Denise accepted God at a young age and was a member of Lovely Zion Baptist Church in Bedford, Virginia until her death. Denise was educated in Bedford County Public Schools and was a member of the varsity cheerleading squad and the drill team at Liberty High School. After high school, Denise attended Virginia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and made many lifelong friends. She was an Alpha Angel and she later became Miss Alpha Phi Alpha. Denise loved attending football and basketball games and was a member of the VSU Alumni Theater Ensemble (Colored Girls).

Denise was an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years. She started her career in Lynchburg City Schools before moving on to Henrico County Public Schools. She spent the majority of her years teaching fourth grade and retired in 2013.

Denise was introduced to the love of her life, Roscoe F. Goode, by friends in 1980 and they were married in 1981. They enjoyed gardening and attending horse shows, including The World Percheron Congress in Massachusetts.

Denise was a skilled amateur artist. She created a multitude of paintings, many of which are framed and on display throughout her home. Denise also had a passion for photography and traveling. She enjoyed annual summer trips to Virginia Beach with family and close friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 44 years, Roscoe F. Goode; a step-son, Derek Cobbs, Sr. (Frances) of Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren, Derek Cobbs, Jr. of Richmond, VA, and Wesley Cobbs of Huntsville, AL; one sister, Carolyn Selden Brown of Lynchburg, VA; one nephew, Reggie Brown of Bedford, VA; one niece, Ashley Camm (Leslie) of Lynchburg, VA; one great nephew, Morgan Camm, of Lynchburg, VA; and one aunt, Priscilla Holley of Dayton, OH. She also leaves behind many loving cousins, devoted friends, and her 2-year-old adoring and playful Goldendoodle, Mila.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with the Rev. Carl Hutcherson officiating. A repass will follow the service at Lovely Zion Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.