Loulene "Lou Lou" Sistrunk

Loulene Goggans was born to Tommie J. Goggans and Ellen Anderson on February 9, 1928, in Coosa County, Alabama. She gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was baptized at the Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church. She was educated by the Coosa County Training School and graduated in 1948. She then moved to Akron, Ohio to marry Thomas Matthew Sistrunk, Jr., in June of 1949. To this union four children were born: Mary Ellen Detra, Asenath, Thomas Matthew III and Chaunt'e.

She attended the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church and faithfully served at the People's Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio until her health prevented her from doing so. She worked as a hairdresser, warehouse packer and nursing assistant. She also attended Washington Beauty Academy. She was later trained as a Surgical Technician in the Urology Department at Akron General Medical Center and retired from AGMC after 26 years of service. She remained active long after retirement, caring for doctors' families as a nanny, house and pet sitter.
She once said that people were her hobby, and she never met a stranger. Her light shined brightest while serving others. Her co-workers at the hospital relied on her spirit to bring cheer to patients and support the professionals who cared for so many. After work, her spirits remained high, ensuring that each family member and friend felt special and attended to. She always made a way to end each day as a successful endeavor. She was a shining example of God's love and peace.

Mama could fix anything. Once, while driving to Detroit, she encountered some car trouble and used a pair of panty hoses to repair her fan belt until she could make it to the repair shop. On too many occasions to count, she would hop in her car with nothing but her CB radio, only to later call and tell us that she had made it safely to Alabama to see about her sister, nieces and nephews.

Loulene loved to use her hands, and she displayed her creativity through gardening, cooking and sewing. Her grandchildren fondly remember the times that she would bring IV bags home and warm them in hot water to make "water babies", fill surgical gloves up with air and draw faces on them, and throw baby powder all over the floor to allow them to sock- skate around the house. She always served food on plates that she warmed in the oven, and her home was a place where family and friends felt welcome, cared for, and cherished. Her resounding love and service to people were the glue that held our family together. She could relate to people from every walk of life and earn their trust, respect and gratitude because of her genuine spirit. She was the heart of the family and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength and love. Lou Lou, as she was affectionately called by many who loved her, departed this life on September 26, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Irving and Tommie Goggans, sisters Bonnie Goggans, Celia Burton and Ellen (Brown) Forbers.

She is survived by brother, Ira (Selma) Goggans, brother-in-law, Walter Forbers, sister-in-law, Ernestine Goggans, special cousin, Dr. Ellen (Dr. Lathardus) Goggins, Sr., children, Mary Ellen Detra Reynolds, Asenath ( Rev. Dr. Ronald) Fowler, Sr.), Thomas Matthew Sistrunk III, Chaunt'e Darcel Sistrunk, Grandchildren; Tita Martin, Contia (Fiancé Sancole) Wilson, Diallo Sewell, Miyoshee (Sheridan) Gilbert, Aisha (Charles) Parnell, Brooke Sistrunk, Vance Powell, Great-grandchildren, Christian, Londan, DiAmoni, Andre, Taj, Miyani, Anyce, Julian, Javier, Jorey, Johanna, CJ (Charles), Riley, DJ (Diallo), Macy, Kenai; Great-great grandchildren, Nasir, Amari, Jayla, Marz, and Kaliyah, special nieces and nephews Corlis (Willie), Bennie (Jerry), Kendall (Linda), Van, Brenda (Ernest), Fonda (Oscar), Irving, Earl, Jernell (Abram), Tara (Sidney), Renee, Tommie (Erika), Doretha, Darlene, Christina and a host of great nieces and nephews. She also leaves special daughter and granddaughter Christine Phillips and Angelina (Kenny) Pitts, special son and daughter Carlson and Mary Preer.
The family would like to thank Reverend and Mrs. Darrick Willis, Charles and Gloria Preer, the Guerra, Geller, Minot, Hines, Cheiken, Breaux, Rosser and Pinsky families, and special friend, Nancy Tygart Dottavio for their love and support over many years.