Obituary: Effie Carter Goodall

Effie Carter Goodall, age 101, of Oak Ridge, went home to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 20.

Effie was born in Pennington Gap, Va., on October 21, 1912, and moved to Oak Ridge in 1944. She had seven siblings.

Effie was a longtime member of Kern Memorial United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge. She will always be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to the many people who knew and loved her.

Effie was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter Carter; son, Freddie Carter; second husband, William Goodall Sr.; stepdaughter, Barbara Goodall Scofield and stepson, William Goodall Jr. 

Effie is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Gardner, whose constant care and extraordinary devotion to her mother helped insure she lead a long and happy life.

She is also survived by son-in-law, Tommy Gardner; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Mason Carter; grandchildren, Jim Gardner ( Cindy Ferguson), Scott Gardner (Sherrie), Buddy (Cindy) Carter and Debbie (Steve) Cahoon; great-grandchildren, Christopher Gardner (Megan Muldner), Jacob Gardner, Jordan Gardner, and Shyla Gardner (Nick); Brittany Carter, Jill Diden (Jason), Buddy Carter Jr., and Jordan Carter; and great-great-grandson, Hayden Diden.

In addition, she is survived by her stepson-in-law, Robert Scofield (Bev); stepdaughter-in-law, Peggy Goodall; 11 step-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren and nine step-great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Effie’s many caretakers at the Courtyards of Briarcliff for their exceptional and devoted care over the years she lived there. A special thanks to Beth Long, her sitter whom she loved dearly. Another special thanks to Mike Mursten, owner of the Courtyards, for his love, care, and compassion. Phyllis Gardner especially wants to recognize her “sister of the heart,” Tonya Alexander, for all her attention, love, and comfort to both Phyllis and Effie. Special appreciation to granddaughter, Debbie Scofield of Colorado Springs, Colo., formerly of Oak Ridge, for her devotion and aid to her grandmother and Phyllis for so many years.

The family received friends on Thursday, May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. with Rev. Robbie Leach officiating and Rev. Don Morris assisting. Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Friday at Anderson Memorial Gardens for a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Beech Park Baptist Church Building Fund in Effie’s memory.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.