Beatrice “Bea” Goodin (Henry), 97, died July 18, 2024, in Louisiana, Mo. Born on March 10, 1927, in New Hartford, Mo., she was the daughter of Emery and Ermal (Reese) Henry. She lived most of her life in Louisiana, Mo., and has owned the same home since 1953, living there until 2020 when she moved to Lynn’s Heritage House.
Bea attended elementary/middle schools in New Hartford, Louisiana, and Vandalia, Mo., before graduating from high school in Louisiana-class of 1946.
She pursued higher education immediately after high school. She received a secretarial diploma at Sanford Business College in St. Louis, Mo., then earned a bachelor of science in early education at Culver-Stockton, Mo., (Summa Cum Laude) in 1971, followed by a master of arts in education Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville (4.0 gpa).
Bea’s life was marked by her dedication to education and her profound impact on her students and colleagues. She leaves behind a legacy of love and lifelong learning, remembered fondly by those who knew her both personally and professionally.
Her father, Emery Henry, mother Ermal Henry, son William Goodin II, sister Wanda LaRue, and brother-in-law William LaRue, all died earlier.
She is survived by her brother Marvin “Bud” (LouElla) Henry; daughter-in-law Kathy Goodin; grandchildren Billy (Katie) Goodin and Kristy Goodin; great-granddaughters Taylor Goodin and Gracie Chambers; great-great-grandson Hunter Stanford (her pride and joy), nephews Daniel (Kathy) and Steven (Cheryl) LaRue, niece Linda (Ted) Wlazlowski and many more extended family members.
Bea was nominated for the Graduate Fellowship Award. She joined Phi Delta Kappa and was treasurer of the Missouri State Reading Council. She was a past board member of the Missouri Association of Education Secretaries and past president of the District Association of Educational Secretaries.
She was a member of Pike County Democratic Women’s Club, Raintree Arts Council, L-MSTA and Missouri State Reading Teachers Association (Past president L-MST), Phi Cappa Delta, chair of the Department of Reading for the Northeast District (1980 Mark Twain Reading Council), Past president and charter member of the Mark Twain reading council, Missouri State Council, International Reading Association (past state treasurer), and Louisiana Missouri City Council Person, Ward III.
A few of her accomplishments are Louisiana Business and Professional Women’s Club—past president (Named a Woman of the Year in 1959), City of Louisiana Library Board (vice president), Louisiana Housing Association secretary, Member of the Centenary Methodist Church (Missions chair), and Member of Anchor Circle (vice president) and United Methodist women.
A service to celebrate Bea’s life will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, located at 691 S. Carolina St, Louisiana, MO 63353.
Contributions in Bea’s memory may be made to Friends of the Library, an organization she passionately supported, reflecting her commitment to education and community enrichment.
Bea’s wisdom, dedication and love will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her generous spirit. She shared her value of education and love of family and community with everyone.
Collier Funeral home was in charge of cremation rites.