It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gayle Denise Mosby Goodman, who departed this life July 5, 2025. Gayle was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Jeanne and Charles Mosby, and like her mother and brother (Charles “Skip” Mosby), Gayle attended Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University) where she majored in early childhood education. 

 

While at Hampton Institute, Gayle met and married Gregory Goodman and the two settled in Hampton, Virginia (the perfect half-way point between her native North Carolina, and his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and began building a family together. 

 

Gayle and Greg had four children (Vanessa, Vicki, Gregory, and Valerie) whom they adored, nearly fulfilling her dream of filling a station wagon. She recently shared that early in her life (teens) she understood her purpose in life was to be a mother. She embodied love and shared it effortlessly every day.  

 

A dedicated elementary school teacher, Gayle devoted more than thirty years to shaping young minds in Newport News Public Schools. Her passion for education did not end when she retired; she found a new way to serve the community by teaching adults, bringing her nurturing instinct and commitment to learning into a new classroom. Her success with her adult students was a testament to her unwavering dedication to helping others. 

 

Gayle attended Newport News Citizens Police Academy before joining the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA). Gayle also sat on the Use of Force review board, served as the recording secretary for the CPAAA, and was a trained member of Project Lifesaver with the Newport News Sheriff’s Department.

 

A gifted musician like her father, Gayle shared her love for music with her family. She often played her piano at home and in church, filling lives with melodies that resonated with joy and warmth. 

 

Gayle was an avid reader, who loved to garden, knit, spend time with her family and friends, but most of all, Gayle loved her heavenly Father. Raised in the church, Gayle instilled her love for God in her children and grandchildren and set a caring example for all. Her kindness and devotion to her family knew no bounds.  

 

Gayle was a beloved teacher, sister, friend, cousin, mother-in-law, grandmother and mother - cherished by all who knew her. 

 

Gayle is survived by her former spouse, Gregory Goodman; her four children Vanessa (Erick Fisher), Vicki (Mike Pitzonka), Gregory (Candice Goodman), and Valerie, her twelve grandchildren, Charlee, Erick, Chancellor; Jocelyn (Eve Pierre), Reagan, Judah; Kala, Amaya, Jevon, Kaden, Caesar; and Lennox; and her two great-grandchildren, Leilani, and Isa, her brother, Charles “Skip” Mosby (Bennie Mosby, Tasha, Carla, B.C.); cousin Craig (Everson), nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

 

Gayle is predeceased by her parents Charles and Jeanne Mosby, and her loving grandson, Gregory Isaiah. 

 

The family would like to thank her dedicated and caring staff at the Riverside Cancer Center (especially Dr. K, Missy, & Skylar). 

 

A very special thank you from the family of Gayle Goodman to her church family at Calvary Chapel Newport News for being such an important and supportive source of unconditional love and spiritual support.