Irma Lenora English Gooden

Irma Lenora English Gooden, 105, of Griffin, widow of Melvin Carson Gooden, died Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Brightmoor Hospice.
Born in McDonough, June 16, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Johnson English and Lillie Mae Tollison English. She formerly loved china painting and quilting. Mrs. Gooden loved Gospel music and especially enjoyed Tootsie Rolls. She was an avid NASCAR fan and at 88 years old was able to ride in a racecar around Charlotte Motor Speedway. Her favorite NASCAR driver was Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The last ten years of her life were spent at Westbury Center for Nursing and Healing. She won the Ms. Westbury of Jackson several times and was honored when Mayor Carlos Duffey proclaimed June 16, 2023, as "Irma Gooden Day" for her 103 Birthday. She was spry and feisty until her last day on this side of Heaven, always knowing exactly what she wanted.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by 6 brothers, Kermit English, Eugene English, Harold English, John English, Lamar English and William English; 5 sisters, Mary McDonell, Eunice Copeland, Edna Cawthon, Janie Souther and Loree Jaccino.
In addition to her husband, parents and siblings, she also preceded in death by a daughter, Geraldine Stephens.
Survivors include a daughter, Juanita Gooden Girardeau of Barnesville; son, Melvin Ronnie Gooden of Dahlonega; six grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Graveside funeral services for Irma Lenora English Gooden will be conducted Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Eastlawn Memorial Park, 640 McGarity Road in McDonough, with Mr. Alan Cauthen officiating.
For online condolences please visit www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin is in charge of arrangements.