Frances Parham Goodman, or “Mamas” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and great grandchildren was born on December 23, 1931, as the youngest child of Wade and Laura Belle Parham, who have both preceded her in death.
She transitioned on May 23, 2023. Frances’ position as the baby of the family helped shape her strong drive, initiative, and unyielding faith in God. Her love for the Lord and dedication to Christ began early in life and continued throughout her years.
Frances was an active member of the Berean Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, and worked with the Women’s Department.
Frances attended Merry High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships, before graduating in the Class of 1948. She then attended Lane College where she met the love of her life, James Goodman Jr., whom she would go on to be married to for 58 years. She and James had a goal for their family that centered on love for God, and love for each other, family and friends. They always said, “We are each other’s brother’s keeper.”
Throughout her life, Frances instilled nuggets of wisdom for her children to live by. She urged them to always tell God and themselves the truth and have someone on earth they could confide in completely. She wanted them to create lasting memories and cherish them. She taught the importance of getting quiet, still, and finding a quiet space for reflection. Frances instilled respect and kindness towards her children’s siblings and urged them always to show grace to others. Finally, Frances taught them never to leave a task unfinished, encouraging them to do everything to the best of their abilities.
In the 60s, the NAACP reached out to Frances with a specific need: they needed someone to integrate the salesforce of Downtown Jackson. Frances became the Ambassador of Change and was employed at Woolworth’s Downtown for over three decades. To those who knew her, her soft-spoken demeanor, captivating smile, friendly attitude, and kind words remain memorable even today.
Her true love was her family to whom she was devoted. When Frances loved someone, it was unconditional. She was thoughtful, kind, patient, and long-suffering, never insisting on her way. She enjoyed women’s basketball, reading, word finds, working in her yard, and sweets.
No words could adequately describe her steadfast love as a mother. She was preceded in death by her husband: James Thomas Goodman, Jr, her children: Ronald McGhee, Gayle Murphy, son-in-law: Ricky Murphy, and very special friend: Romeo Stewart. There passings took immeasurable strength and unshakeable faith in God to endure.
She is survived by her children James Thomas (Tonya) Goodman, Cheryl (Michael) Brady; grandchildren Nicole (Jason) Oggs, Irvin (Kimberly) Britt, Carlos Burnett, Ronald McGhee, Megan (Joseph) Brown, Michael (Jocelyn) Brown, Ricky (Julia) Murphy, Ronnie (Charity) Murphy, Lauren Murphy; sister in laws, Mary Helen Smith, Irma Goodman, Loretta Goodman, and Ruby Claytor; nieces and nephews Constance Woods, Raymond (Debra) Weddle, Karen (Mike) Weddle West, Cynthia Parham; and a host of great grandchildren, cousins and friends.
