NORMA NELMS GOODSON

Norma June Nelms Goodson, age 94, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on August 7, 2022 following a brief illness.

Born in 1928, she was the daughter of Sandy and Alma Nelms of Louisville, KY. Norma was proud of her Kentucky heritage and always maintained her sweet Southern charm.  She graduated from Shawnee High School and attended Georgetown University Bible College.

In 1952, Norma moved to Lakeland to become a career woman. She loved to tell stories about her arrival in Lakeland when there was only a population of about 18,000 residents.  Due to her extraordinary office skills, Norma was soon hired as a secretary and worked for several noted law professionals in the area to include Attorneys Spessard Holland and Roy Searles. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Herbert Goodson Sr., a law enforcement officer with the Constable’s office (later to become the Polk County Sheriff’s Office). They soon married and raised two children. During these years, Norma remained true to her Baptist faith and kept a close relationship with God and her church. She was proud to be a founding member of Heritage Baptist Church of Lakeland.

Norma continued to work outside the home with most of her career as a Judicial Secretary for the Honorable Judge T. Frank Hobson of the Second District Court of Appeal and the Honorable Judge Stephen Grimes Second District Court of Appeal and later appointed to the Florida Supreme Court.  Following retirement, she volunteered with numerous groups such as Highland City Homemaker’s, judging for the FFA, playing piano at the Lighthouse Mission, sorting clothes for a homeless shelter and the Widow’s Walk Women’s Ministry at Heritage Baptist Church.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Herbert S. Goodson Sr. and son Herbert ‘Shannon’ Goodson Jr.  She is survived by her daughter June Poxon (Vincent), Granddaughter Casey Chandler, several nieces and nephews. 

The family wishes to thank the home health care givers who provided patience and care with kindness that allowed mom to stay in her home.  Jane, Amanda, Debbie and Elizabeth we are forever thankful.

The family also wishes to thank Good Shepherd Hospice for surrounding us with kindness, compassion and professional care during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Good Shepherd Hospice or Heritage Baptist Church.
 
Services will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Heritage Baptist Church, 4202 Pipkin Creek Rd., Lakeland, FL  33813. Visitation from 10am-11am. Service at 11am. Lunch will be provided by the Church.

Funeral Arrangements made through Lakeland Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens & Crematory. 

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