Charlene Goforth

Charlene Goforth, 98, of Centralia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at her home. She was born on September 18, 1926, the daughter of B.V. and Ottie (Arnold) Ivy in Bruce, Mississippi. She married James C. Goforth on September 22, 1945, in Bruce, Mississippi and he preceded her in death on January 11, 2015.

Survivors that will remember Charlene’s kind heart include her devoted daughter, Pam Goforth of Centralia, IL; her cherished grandchildren, Tonya Kinder of Centralia, IL, Katrice and Larry Keenan of Long Island, NY, Gina Branon of Centralia, IL; her precious great-grandchildren, Marissa and Ryan Schmitt, Tori, Joshua and Luke Keenan, Damon, Shane, Chase and Blade Branon; and her dear great-great-grandchildren, Harper, Camdyn, Holdyn, Carter, Bentley, and another on the way.

Along with her husband of 69 years, James Goforth, Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Van Goforth; and her great-grandsons, Justen Barrow, and Mitchell Keenan.

Charlene was the oldest member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Centralia. She retired from Regions Bank of Centralia after many years of being a loyal employee. Charlene was an amazing cook who loved to host gatherings, attending to her family’s every need. She will be remembered for the wonderful baked goods she made and how everyone in the family received a homemade lamb cake for their first birthday celebration. Charlene and her husband, Jimmy had many great memories of their winters spent in Florida after their retirement. They looked forward to their fishing trips to Lake Okeechobee and were always excited to bring home their catch, working together to have a fish fry for family and friends. When Charlene wasn’t busy in the kitchen, quiet times would find her working jigsaw puzzles, watching the Cardinals baseball games or reading a book. Charlene will be remembered dearly as a lady of great faith, generosity, and kindness, who made every effort to let her family know they were loved deeply.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Paula Comper officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Charlene’s honor to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Charlene may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Charlene Goforth with arrangements.

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