Johnny Lamar Goodwin

Lamar Goodwin\ Richland\ \ Johnny Lamar Goodwin departed this world at his home in Richland, MS Sunday February 27, 2011, to be with his heavenly Father. Lamar was born October 1, 1937 in rural Kemper County near DeKalb, MS. \ Visitation will be from 11:30am until the 2:00pm service Monday February 28, 2011 at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Burial will be at Garden of Memories.\ He attended school at Cleveland High School in Kemper County and it was there he met his wife, Evola Neal Goodwin.\ In his young years Lamar attended Bluff Springs Baptist Church. He and Evola married December 24, 1957 at Big Oak Methodist Church in Kemper County. They later moved to Jackson and began to attend Boling Street United Methodist Church. While at Boling Street, Lamar served as Chairman of Trustees, PPRC Chairman and other committees. They loved to decorate the fellowship hall for different occasions and always prepared an appropriate bulletin board for almost every special occasion. It was during these years that the children (Greg and Lynn) were born. They remained there until 1993. \ In 1993 they moved to Richland, MS and in 1994 joined Richland First Methodist Church. During his illness, they have been blessed with a wonderful church family. They were blessed with the support of the families on both sides. Also, their beloved, cul-de-sac with neighbors that loved and are loved.\ Lamar continued to attend church long into his illness and enjoyed working at the food pantry. However, when he could no longer get out to the church, the church came to him. He continued to enjoy the church family with fellowship, food and Bible studies in their home.\ Lamar was with the Jackson Public Schools for a few years, but went to work for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in 1964. He enjoyed his work as purchasing agent and loved the people with whom he worked. He enjoyed the travel his job required and always wanted Evola to go with him. He remained at MIB until he retired in June 2002.\ Lamar is preceded in death by his parents, George Lee and Mae Goodwin. His baby brother Lee Jr., and sister Catherine McDonald. \ He is survived by his wife, Evola (Eve). Son, Greg Goodwin and his loving wife Robin of Alton, MO. Daughter, Lynn Goodwin of Florence, MS. Brothers, Odell and Luke of Brandon, MS, Jimmy of Florence, MS and Rodger of Alabama. Sisters, Mildred\ Burt of Tennessee, Myrtle (Alvin) Griffen of Brandon, Lillian (R.C) Mitchell and Martha (Delaine) George of DeKalb, MS and Carolyn Goodin of Texas. There are many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.\ The family wishes to thank their beloved Jean Kennedy who has lovingly cared for Lamar for many years. Also all of the Sta-Home Hospice staff and other sitters\ The family asks that memorials be made to Lamar's beloved Food Pantry. It can be mailed to Richland United Methodist Church, 225 Richland Circle, Richland, MS 39218. Note Food Pantry or to your favorite charity.\