Name: Vigil for Atrayus Omar Goode
Start: 2025-05-31T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-05-31T17:00:00.000Z
Location: United House of Prayer for All People

In Loving Memory of Atrayus Omar Goode

June 10, 1985 April 17, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Atrayus Omar Goode, who departed this life on April 17, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, at the age of 39. Atrayus faced the challenges of depression, anxiety, stress, and mental illness with courage and resilience. Though he carried a heavy burden, he always sought to uplift others.

Born June 10, 1985, in Charlotte, NC, Atrayus had a deep appreciation for community and a passion for helping others. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 2003 and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ("Alpha Man"). He later earned his master's degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and pursued additional studies at Duke University in Durham, NC.

A trailblazer in youth advocacy, Atrayus was the founder of Movement of Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering young people. His vision later led to a powerful collaboration with the Youth Mentoring Collaborative, further expanding his impact. Over the years, Atrayus received numerous accolades recognizing his outstanding leadership and philanthropic service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Atrayus was known for his charisma, vibrant personality, and love for others. He enjoyed dancing, singing, drawing, and playing video games. His joy, humor, and compassion touched the lives of all who knew him.

Atrayus is lovingly remembered by his beloved daughter, Everette Rose Goode; his devoted parents, Walter Latimer and Rosa Goode Latimer; and his cherished aunt, Joyw Goode. He is also survived by his uncles Ervin Latimer, Calvin Latimer, and Kenneth Latimer (Linda); aunts Jennel Butler, Patricia Latimer Dixon, and Doreen Latimer Austin (Charles); the Gatewood Family; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends. Atrayus never married, but his life was filled with meaningful connections and lasting love.

The family and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc invites all who knew and loved Atrayus to a Remembrance Vigil in his honor:

Saturday, May 31, 2025

11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

United House of Prayer for All People - 2321 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

Atrayus' legacy of love, service, and mentorship will continue to inspire future generations. May his spirit live on in the lives he touched.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from May 7 to May 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Atrayus Goode

Sponsored by R.M. Ferguson Funeral Service.

11 Entries

Dawn Lee

July 9, 2025

Atrayus was my long term neighbor. He was kind and compassionate towards others, and always checked in with you, when he saw you, to extend a warm greeting and to ask you how you were doing. I had three Rottweiler's at various times, and all three of my dogs absolutely adored him. Atrayus was the type of man who would lend a helping hand in your time of need, and was a devoted and loving father to his daughter, which I witnessed on a regular basis. I am deeply saddened by this sudden loss, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during their time of grief.

Loretta Faheem

June 2, 2025

We met in the Fall of 2007, 2 months after I relocated to NC, when I first became introduced to the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. You welcomed both me and my Son to the organization. We kept in touch over the years, through Movement of Youth as well as your Vice Presidency with the 100 BMTE. I fondly recall our last conversation at the 2023 Carolinas Youth Mentoring Symposium, presented by the Youth Mentoring Collaborative. I said to you: "I'm on 'Team Atrayus'" You smiled and said, "thank U"!

Know that you have planted seeds in countless youth and they will forever say your name!!
My Friend, I have no doubt that when our Heavenly Father called you home, He said "well done, my Good & Faithful Servant, well done. Come and enjoy your rest".

Enrique J. Zaldivar

June 1, 2025

I'm saddened to learn about Atrayus untimely death -- so young! I had the privilege to meet wonderful Atrayus about a decade ago when I was his professor of organization development at the AU-MSOD masters program. Together, as part of the International Residence, we went to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he and his team did actual consulting work with a local client. During those two intense weeks I got to know him, and learned what a unique and special human being he is. We'll deeply miss him.
Un abrazo, full of sympathy, with my condolences,
Enrique J. Zaldivar

Sara Furlow

Planted Trees

Polly Dickinson

May 30, 2025

I only met Atrayus one time at a Chalice Circle Meeting at Eno River Unitarian Church. He was so kind, a soft-but-powerfully spoken young man, with so much yet to give. I was very impressed by him and told him so. He was dressed handsomely, and carried himself with such dignity, I felt he was someone who would do much with the life he was given. I was heartsick to learn of his untimely death, and I know he is missed by many. May his commitment to changing other's lives for the better be carried on by all those who knew him. He was indeed a good man.

Durham Convention Center

Sent Flowers

King P Bond Jr aka Kenny

May 13, 2025

I had nine biological brothers, Atrayus made ten. He poured his heart into MOY/YMC and I had the honor of working with him through the years. Everett Rose he loved you and will remember the good times in fellowshipping. I will miss my Best Friend/Like Brother, until we meet again. Kenny &Shrila

Alice

May 12, 2025

Wonderful memories of Atrayus in my mind. He was one of the most authentic and kind person that I knew. Intellectual, kind and talented. May he rest in peace. Will always be remembered.

Granvel

May 5, 2025

Everett, your dad loved you more than you can begin to imagine. You and your family are in my prayers.

Atrayus, I'm so grateful to God for the gift of your friendship. You are irreplaceable. I am a better person because of you. Our world is indeed a better place because of you. Rest In Power, my friend. Amen.

Frances Sandoval

May 5, 2025

Atrayus is gone much too soon. He was such a wonderful, giving and loving individual. He accomplished so much in mentoring and helping individuals. I enjoyed attending the annual events at the governor's mansion supporting his many causes.
He loved his beautiful daughter, they were inseparable.
I pray God's blessing o er his family and many friends that will miss him. It is still unbelievable that he is no longer with us.

Lakevia Goode-Barber

May 2, 2025

We are favorite first cousin's Atrayus, losing you will forever be a loss, a missing piece in my heart. A sadness that will remain until you return. But, you will return and I am assured knowing that. I remember you coming home from the hospital and Grandma telling me to leave the baby alone, I just couldn't you smelled so good, lol. I would sneak and pick you up, and got caught because I dropped you, lol. I remember you sitting on my lap ducking your thumb and holding my ear. I remember you teasing me because y'all never thought my jokes were funny! I remember one summer we spent together in the 90's and having to take you and Tayda to get lunch at subway on Central Ave, and us nearly getting kidnapped by the blue van, running for our lives, lol. The summer in GA, when you and Tayda burned each other on the back of the neck with my curling iron, me getting in more trouble because I was the oldest and didn't stop yall! I remember the letters we wrote while I was away at Basic Training, I still have them! The letters you wrote while I was in Iraq, I still have those. The pop ups I would do while you were in school, just to check on you, lol you fussing because you were grown and didn't need me checking on you. You were my baby Trayus no matter how old or grown you were. The joy of you calling to tell me you were having your own baby, lol you beat me to the punch, lol. I have so many memories, and wanted to make more, we always believe we still have time to make more. I will be here for Everette always because she is you, through and through. Be happy with Grandma, enjoy Gretta, hangout with Uncle Bobby and Uncle Ton, make music with Malik, until we all meet again. I love you forever and always.

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