Tabitha Goggins

Tabitha Goggins was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 9, 1918, to William Topp and Julia (Lewis) Topp. She was the second oldest of five siblings: three sisters, Clara, Mary Kathryn, Virginia, and one brother, William. Tabitha was affectionately called “Nana” by her grandchildren and “Mother" by so many others. She peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on February 1, 2024, at the age of 105.

Growing up, Tabitha attended Sumner High School, a pioneering institution for Black American students west of the Mississippi River. At the age of 19, she married William Allen Turner, and from their union, welcomed two sons, Allen and Harold Turner. Despite enduring the tragic loss of her youngest son, Harold, and her first husband, William, Tabitha drew strength from her unwavering faith in God. In 1954, she married John Herbert “Herbie” Brown, and they relocated to Boston. They were members of First Church of God, where Tabitha served as a faithful member for many years.

Several years after the passing of Grandpa Herbie Brown, Tabitha eventually found love again, and in 1978 married Douglas Goggins. The two attended the Church of God in Buffalo, New York, for fourteen years. Following Douglas’s passing, Tabitha returned to Boston, where she became deeply involved in the public school system to help strengthen youth literacy and served as a board member of the Boston Elderly Services. Because of her immense contributions to the community, she received recognition from former Mayor Thomas Menino and current Mayor Michelle Wu. Although she was very active in the community, nothing exceeded her love for Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where she was a dedicated member for over thirty years.

Tabitha had an insatiable desire for continuous growth and learning. As a seasoned traveler, she embarked on several adventures around the world, visiting countries from Kenya and Ghana to Switzerland and Israel. She also enjoyed visiting her son, Allen, daughter-in-love, Clovis, and their three children, who were serving as missionaries on the island of St. Kitts. At the age of 88, Tabitha showcased her creative talents by writing a cantata, performed at her church. She continued teaching elementary English until the remarkable age of 90. At the impressive age of 103, she executive-produced a gospel album along with her great-granddaughter, Chantel. Tabitha's diverse interests included: civic engagement, photography, piano playing, songwriting, singing hymns, gardening, fashion, hat collecting, playing word board games, knitting, reading the bible, fitness, juicing, treating herself to ice cream, and baking blueberry pies — all underscoring her appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Throughout her life, Tabitha faced adversity, from navigating the era of Jim Crow and The Great Depression to overcoming instances of domestic violence and coping with the loss of her loved ones. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith, finding solace in God's presence. Her resilience and strength inspired all who knew her, irrespective of age, race, or creed. She served as a living testimony of ministry, empathy, and longevity. As Tabitha rejoices in God's eternal embrace, her legacy lives on and will forever be cherished by her family and all those touched by her tenacity and timeless grace.

Tabitha is survived by her daughter-in-love, Clovis Turner, her grandchildren, Allen Turner (Carmelita), India Hampton (LeRoix), Joy Turner-Trout (Joel), her great-grandchildren, Honara' Turner, Chantel Hampton, Casondra Turner-Liwanga (Roger), Ernest Hill Jr., Sinoa Johnson-Hill, Jonathon Hill, Shania Hampton, fivegreat-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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