Sophia Simone Gooden

Sophia Simone Gooden was called to Christ/Our Lord on December 17, 2023. She was the eldest of four children born to parents Pauline Yvonne and Errol Samuel Gooden on September 29, 1974 in Westmoreland, Jamaica, West Indies.
Sophia spent her early childhood living between the Parishes of Westmoreland and Trelawny with her family before emigrating to the United States. As first born, she was the apple of her parents' eyes. As Big Sister, she was a protector. Sophia never hesitated to defend her younger siblings and she was always there to help heal wounds during times of need.
Some of Miss Gooden's fondest childhood memories included going to the beach with her family in Jamaica on Sundays. In fact, Sunday dinners at the beach became a favorite family tradition. Sophia particularly enjoyed the savory Jamaican dishes like ackee and saltfish, oxtail and rice and peas while enjoying the fine white sands and clear waters. Her Jamaican heritage was a constant theme throughout her life.
Creating those favorite meals with mom, Pauline played an important role throughout her adolescence. Not only did it form a bond between mother and daughter, It was a tradition that kept Sophia connected to her Caribbean roots after moving to Brooklyn, NY.
Miss Gooden attended Canarsie and Uniondale High Schools and went on to get her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at SUNY Farmingdale. Her passion for healing continued when she decided to pursue certification to become a Medical Assistant in 2000. She later completed her Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration. She spent over 20 years with Advantage Care Physicians where she was appointed as the union representative. Sophia considered many of her co-workers family members.
As she took care of her younger siblings and patients, Sophia took pride in taking care of her nieces and nephews. There was never a holiday or birthday missed and she enjoyed showering them with hugs, kisses, and lots of gifts.
Sophia Simone Gooden is survived by her mother, Pauline Yvonne Gooden, father Errol Samuel Gooden, sister Stacy-Ann Gooden, brothers Stephen O'Brian Gooden and Shane Saint Christopher Gooden, brother-in-law Paul Stephen Eastwood, sister-in-law Thalia Gooden, nieces Kaylah Victoria Gooden, Anastasia Pauline Eastwood, Malia Angelique Gooden, nephews Camron Christopher Gooden, Sean Louis Gooden, and O'Shea Gooden Eastwood, along with numerous cousins, extended family members and friends.
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