Sammie Louise (Bates) Goodwin, of Ico Community, passed away January 14, 2021.  She was born June 13, 1935 to Sam and Gladys Bates in Little Rock, Arkansas.  She married Alvin Ray Goodwin on November 29, 1962.

Sammie was an active member and church clerk at Forest Tower Baptist Church for forty years.  She loved serving the Lord and was a blessing to many.  She enjoyed yard sales, baking pies for birthdays at church, attending sporting events of her grandchildren and time with her family and friends.

Waiting for Sammie in Heaven is her soulmate, Alvin Goodwin; son, David Hawley; granddaughter, Nikki Brashears; daughter-in-law, Debby Hawley; and brother, Harvey “Bud” Bates.

She is survived by her children:  Martha Moore (Bob), Bill Hawley (Coby), Vicky Shellnut (Franklin), and Chris Goodwin (Tarina); brother, Robert Bates (Doris); daughter-in-law, Melinda Hawley; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many family members and friends who love Sammie and will miss her always.

Visitation will be held 2:30-3:00, Tuesday, January 19 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Ricky Tipton, will follow at 3:00 PM.  Private burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park.  Grandsons and Great-Grandsons will assist as pallbearers.  Due to COVID-19, there will be no gatherings at the homes of family members.  Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be observed.  Smith-Benton Funeral Home will have a live stream of the service on their Facebook page. 

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.