Mary Goffney Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cooper & Humbles Funeral Company Inc on Oct. 14, 2025.
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With deep reverence and profound love, we celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Evangelist Mary Goffney - a woman of elegance, excellence, and eternal purpose.
Born May 18, 1944, to Sylvia Davis and Benjamin Custis, Sr., on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Mary's life was marked by strength, style, and vision from the very beginning. As a young woman, she moved to Philadelphia, where she pursued her education with grit and grace before returning home to Accomack County, Virginia. Upon marrying, she relocated with her husband and their two daughters to New York City - where she would rise to remarkable heights.
In New York, Mary boldly stepped into arenas few dared to dream of. She modeled with grace and sophistication, worked for CBS Broadcasting, and earned her bachelor's degree from the prestigious College of New Rochelle - becoming the first African-American woman from Accomack County to do so. Her brilliance and compassion led her to Bronx State Hospital, where she ran the mental health ward with a rare combination of professionalism and soul.
Mary later returned to her roots in Accomack County with fresh purpose. She obtained her teaching license and made history once again - becoming one of the first, if not the first, African-American women to both teach in the classroom and drive school buses for Accomack County Public Schools. Her students not only gained knowledge - they gained a lifelong example of what it means to lead, uplift, and inspire.
She didn't stop there. Mary was ordained as an Evangelist and boldly carried the Gospel across cities and states, declaring the power of Jesus Christ with authority and love. She founded Rachel Leah Covenant Ministries and Transition House, where she served as CEO and carried out transformative outreach alongside the Accomack County corrections and judicial systems. She sat on boards, built programs, and poured into the community with unmatched conviction. Everywhere she walked, purpose followed.
To know Mary Goffney was to be elevated by her presence. She was regal but real. Warm but unshakably wise. She had the rare ability to meet people where they were, while lifting them toward where they were meant to go. In her lifetime, she shepherded souls, educated minds, opened doors, and set a new standard for womanhood, motherhood, leadership, and discipleship.
She leaves to cherish her memory her two adored daughters, Sandra Poulson and Tammy Poulson; her beloved grandchildren, Katusha Poulson (Antonio), Di'Jonay McCoy, and Di'Vine McCoy, Laponda Cullins, Desmond Cullins, and Cheteara Fields; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Adoren, Ariana, Raphael, Ja'Sani, A'Nylah, Legacy, Chyna, Paris, Lavven, and Christian.
She was preceded in transition by her heavenly brother, Benjamin Custis, and is fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, Rebecca Custis; nieces and nephews, Jameane Custis, Zundel Custis, Tikeyisha Henderson (William), Benjamin Custis Jr. (Yvette), and Kiion Custis.
She is also lovingly remembered by her cherished sister, Margaret Murray (King, whom preceded her in death), and her nieces and nephews, Denise Pettit (Frank), Michael Custis (Valerie), and Sharone Brown.
She also leaves behind a host of cherished great-nieces and nephews, and great, great-nieces and nephews, each carrying forward a piece of her legacy with love and pride.
We also wish to lovingly acknowledge the special bond Mary shared with several of her beloved cousins, Shirley Lawson and Darlene Battle, whose presence, laughter, and lifelong connection brought her immeasurable joy.
________________________________________ A Life That Cannot Be Contained Technically, this obituary could go on and on - with no end in sight - chronicling the exceptional, trailblazing, Spirit-led life of Evangelist Mary Goffney. Her impact cannot be captured within the confines of a page or summarized in a few lines. Her life was a divine volume - filled with chapters of perseverance, brilliance, boldness, and unwavering faith.
She was a community pillar whose legacy reverberates through every life she touched - from students and congregants to public officials and everyday people who felt seen, heard, and loved in her presence. Even in the halls of government, her work was recognized and her legacy affirmed, with officials from the USDA and beyond acknowledging how deeply she shaped her community.
Evangelist Mary Goffney was more than a woman of distinction. She was a force. A movement. A living testimony that GOD still moves through those who say "yes" without fear.
Her family - who were blessed to witness her wisdom, anointing, and love up close - now carry the sacred charge of continuing the legacy she so powerfully lived. Generations to come will walk in her light and rise on the foundation she laid.
Scripture of Honor: "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." - Proverbs 31:28–29 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Evangelist Mary Lou Goffney (Custis), please visit our Tree Store.