Vicky Rothrock Goudie

Lavinia Rothrock Goudie, known lovingly as Vicky, Mom, and Gran passed peacefully on November 9, 2025 near her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on October 19, 1939, to Reva Vestal Rothrock and Elmo Daniel Rothrock, Vicky grew up in Raleigh where she attended Needham Broughton High School, St. Mary's College, and North Carolina State University studying Music, Drama, and Art. She was a lifelong and devoted member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, where her faith, music, and kindness touched countless lives.
In 1959, Vicky married the love of her life, Major Richard Blaine Goudie, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned more than six decades. Together they lived in Fayetteville NC, Raleigh NC, Orleans (France), Richmond VA, New Orleans LA, St. Petersburg-Treasure Island FL, Jacksonville FL, and Rocky Mount NC before finally settling back in Raleigh. Wherever she went, Vicky brought joy, warmth, and music-turning every place they lived into a welcoming home for family and friends.
Vicky and Dick raised four children who were the pride of her life: Shari Goudie of Wilmington, NC; Lori Goudie of Buena Park, CA; Diana Goudie Toney (Francis) of Garner, NC; and Richard Goudie (Sharon) of Arlington VA. She was the proud and joyful grandmother of Blaine, Ryan, Daniel, and Avery. She shared a lifelong, loving bond with her sister, Toni Rothrock Turner (Joe), and deeply cherished her nephew Michael and his family. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families, from the Goudie, Rothrock, and Vestal family, each of whom held a treasured place in her heart.
Gifted in voice, piano, drama and art, Vicky was a woman of many talents and endless generosity. She always had a smile to share and a helping hand to offer-whether as a devoted military wife, loving mother and grandmother, cousin, inspiring teacher, North Carolina state government official, or dedicated community volunteer. In recognition of her unwavering devotion to her family and community, she was named North Carolina Mother of the Year in 1987, an honor that perfectly captured her heart and spirit.
Vicky's deep love for people also led her into public service; where she proudly ran as a congressional candidate in 1992, demonstrating her lifelong belief in the power of compassion, integrity, and civic duty. She remained actively involved in her Broughton High School alumni association, her church, and countless community initiatives-always giving, always encouraging, and always uplifting those around her.
To know Vicky was to feel genuine love and light. Her laughter filled every room, her creativity inspired others, and her faith anchored her through life's many seasons. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and song-one that will continue to resonate through the lives of all who knew her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that her melody continues on, and that she is now a welcome and joyful addition to heaven's choir.
Services:
There will be a visitation/viewing at Montlawn Memorial Park located at 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603 on November 15, 2025 at 2pm. Local family and friends are welcome.
In addition, there will be a "Celebration of Life" and Reception at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church located at 718 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603 on December 6, 2025 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, in her loving memory.
Link: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_cid=gp-cash-lpmid&
ask_array=4&frequency_selected=0
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