Life Reflections

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Irene Beatty Goodlett September 9, 1928 – March 17, 2024

Irene Beatty Goodlett, a cherished educator and devout servant of faith, passed away leaving a legacy of love and service. Born to Larkin and Annace Beatty in Wilkes County, she was a luminary of academic excellence, graduating from Unity High School and Livingstone College with a BA in English. Her 30-year career in education was marked by her dedication to nurturing young minds in English and Special Education at Aggrey Memorial Elementary (Landis, NC), Dunbar Elementary (East Spencer, NC), and Irwin Junior High (Granite Quarry, NC) in Rowan County.

Irene’s spiritual life was rich and active, reflected in her lifelong devotion to the AME Zion Church (Third Creek, Moore’s Chapel, and Ardis Chapel). She served in various capacities, from Church Announcer, Senior Choir, Church Secretary, Christian Education Director, Life Member of the Lay Council, Willing Workers Club, Parent Body of Women's Home & Overseas Missionary Society (WHOMS) to Deaconess and was instrumental in ministries such as the Weekly Meal Ministry that was an outreach ministry to the community.

Her commitment to faith extended to her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she was a founding member of the Beta Kappa Chapter at Livingstone College and an active member of the Salisbury Alumnae Chapter. As a retired Rowan County educator, she became a staff instructor at Livingstone College, providing additional English instruction and contributing to the Alumni Fund.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 50 years Walter E. Goodlett, Sr.

Irene was a loving mother to her two sons, Walter E. (Barbara) Goodlett Jr. of Raleigh, NC, and Andre L. (Sandra) Goodlett of Indianapolis, IN. She is also survived by her nephews Karl Majors, Jr. of Akron, OH and Kevan (Elizabeth) Majors of Youngstown, OH. She also leaves behind grandchildren Clarissa R. (Paul) Goodlett, Walter E. (Tye) Goodlett III both of Raleigh, NC, Erica C. (Edin) Bilalovic and Kelly C. (Matt) Gonzalez, both of Jacksonville, Fl, Jasmine N. (Ryan) Goodlett of Phoenixville, PA, and Spencer C. (Alyssa) Goodlett of Lexington, SC, and grandnieces Kamaria Majors and Kennedy Majors both of Akron, OH. She was a doting great-grandmother to Walter E. Goodlett IV, Rishon Quincy Goodlett both of Raleigh, NC, Tariq P. Bilalovic, Mayson P Bilalovic and Francis Reyes all three of Jacksonville, Fl, and Atlas J. Goodlett of Lexington, SC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all mourn her passing.

A passionate educator, a devout church member, and a proud Soror of Delta Sigma Theta, Irene's legacy of love, commitment, and service will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew her. She was a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at The Varick Auditorium, Livingstone College, 701 N. Monroe Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Burial will follow on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the National VA Cemetery, 202 Government Road, Salisbury, North Carolina. Public Viewing will be held at The Varick Auditorium beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 until the funeral hour.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, 603 South Center Street, Statesville, North Carolina 28677, is serving the Goodlett family.

The Service will be live streamed at 2:00 p.m.