Bennie L. Goodman 1938 - 2013

You may wonder why I would use the death of my sister in an editorial. She is one of the faces of those who courageously battle cancer. Unfortunately she lost that battle less than a month after she was diagnosed with the disease. In the short time she had left she was concerned more about the loved ones she would be leaving behind than the pain she was suffering.

My sister Bennie was the eldest of ten children. Hence, she was almost like a second mother because as the eldest, she often helped take care of her younger siblings which she relished. I think she liked being the boss.

Her sensitivity and sense of caring came from our parents. Bennie demonstrated that throughout her life.

My parents were very loving and caring and put a sense of pride in each of us. My father said that in this country you can accomplish anything you want if you put your mind to it.

Bennie was very creative and another sister of ours (Jeannette) who passed away in 2001, they created decorative fashion pins and greeting cards.

She worked from the Metro Glass Company in Carteret of which I don’t remember. I do remember her working for the State of NJ at the Woodbridge Developmental Center. While working there she received many achievements, certifications and memberships.

She was proud to be a member of the Middlesex County Bd. of Dir. for the Handicapped. She had certifications in the field of Mental Retardation for the State of NJ. She served as a Summer Camp Counselor at Kiddie Keepwell Camp. She was a member of the Model Cities Program for the City of Perth Amboy. After almost 28 years of service she retired as Supervisor of Professional and Residential Services.

Family and friends were very important to my sister. Her daughter, Wanda followed in her footsteps and also worked and retired from Woodbridge Developmental Center. She was also proud of her son, William and her grandsons, Cory and Watson who chose the military as their careers. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a great source of pride to her. Every accomplishment that they made she made known to the world.

Growing up in Perth Amboy, my sister and her husband at the time, (Bill McCoy) would often take us to the Amboy Drive-in Movies and various day trips.

She remained close to all of her friends and ex-in-laws. That’s saying a lot. Her close friends and co-workers from Woodbridge Developmental Ctr. flew in from NJ to be with her in Waycross, GA where she lived after retirement.

She was a past President of the American Legion Auxiliary #517 in Waycross, GA. She met her husband, Mills at the Church where she attended as a child and now were both members. Mills said that he had prayed to God to send him a perfect wife and his prayers were answered. They were active participants in the church and they loved fishing together amongst other activities.

Bennie is not here physically, but all the seeds she planted continue to flourish. C.M.