Lela Marie Goodwin

: Lela Marie Goodwin came into this world on August 23, 1948, in a small Missouri town named Desoto. And from that day on, the lives of her parents and everyone she ever met were forever changed. She may have grown up in the small towns of Desoto and Rolla, but she created a big life. She brought an infectious joy with her everywhere - despite being an introvert. Hers is a unique story, and in fact, she had been working on her autobiography.

Wherever she went, people felt her warmth. She charmed everyone from her daughter's college friends, who begged to be adopted, to the people at the AARP tax organization. Be it family, friends, co-workers, or people at the club, everyone loved Lela Goodwin.

Lela was a Renaissance woman that did everything from drafting planes at McDonnell Douglas, to embroidering, to being a project manager at AT&T, to owning her own bar. But her most cherished job was being the best mother and housewife you could imagine. These "housewives" on tv or social media could never compare. Professional cleaners had nothing on her hard starch method. She was so proud of being a mom and taking care of her daughter and husband. She was the room mother, softball coach, you name it. It was also always important to her to make every meal homemade. All of her daughter Ericka's Halloween costumes and special occasion dresses were hand-crafted. She did everything with love and care, which makes it no surprise that she was a caregiver everywhere she went.

She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Lela touched countless lives with her kindness, humor, and generous spirit. She always had a wise word and big laugh no matter where she went, including at family gatherings. She always knew how to bring people together and often cooked for gatherings, making food that brought so much joy. Her pound cake and carrot cakes are legendary and were made from her mother's recipe. She was also a fierce competitor at cards, especially Bid Whist, and could trash talk and hang with anybody. Don't let her small stature fool you.

Lela was genuinely happy nurturing and caring for others and demonstrated it in every possible way. From creativity in crafting and sewing to being an entrepreneur, her creative spirit was always present. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious laugh, her wonderful sense of humor, and her ability to be a true and loyal friend. She had a way of making any moment, no matter how small, special.

She left this life on May 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Campbell; her brother, John Campbell, Jr; her niece, Brittney Sullivan; and her father, John Campbell.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her daughter, Dr. Ericka Goodwin, and former husband, Larry Goodwin, along with her sisters, Gale (James) Sullivan and Bridget Flowers; her brother, Dutro (Sherry) Campbell, her sister-in law, Nelda Campbell; her nieces, Natashia Madison, Ashley Sullivan, Gale Mitchell, Kelly Campbell, Denise Fair, and Meredith Campbell; and her nephews, Dutro Campbell II, John Campbell III, and Ron Burton; along with dear friends and family; and a host of loved ones whose lives were enriched by her presence. She had a special gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
 

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