Ethel Winstead Goolsby, longtime resident of Wortham, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on June 17, 2019 at the age of 99.
Ethel was born at home in Streetman, Texas on April 30, 1920 to Myra and Tyree Winstead.
She married James R. Goolsby in Corsicana, Texas on December 10, 1943 and they were blessed with six children.
In addition to being a wife and mother, she enjoyed a successful cosmetology business for 48 years in Wortham.
She was actively involved in the Wortham Independent School District for many years.
Ethel was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia where she received the Bishop’s Lumen Gentium Award for stewardship, leadership and as an extraordinary role model for the parish. She enjoyed helping others by volunteering at Caritas and serving in the Altar Guild.
Ethel also enjoyed travelling with family and friends from Alaska to the Florida Keys and internationally.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Myra and Tyree Winstead; husband, James Goolsby; sister, Sarah Zoda; brother, Jerome Winstead; and grandson, Jim Rodgers.
Ethel is survived by her six children, Claudia Stitle and husband, Dick of Aledo, Judy Bowen and husband, Martin of Ft. Worth, Dian Frederick of Wortham, Randy Goolsby and wife, Kathy of Wortham, David Goolsby and wife, Jayleene of Aledo and Paul Goolsby and wife, Annette of Fairfield; sister, Mary Howell of Blooming Grove; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary.
A requiem Mass was celebrated Friday, June 21, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia with Father Justin Nguyen officiating.
Interment followed in the Wortham Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers.
Devoted to her church, contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, 607 N. Bonham, Mexia, TX 76667.
Please visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave a message of condolence or sign the guest book.
