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DoRothy AlexANDRiA peebles GooDsoN

The Life JournalEntry 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In The Beginning

Entry 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Education of Dorothy

Entry 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Weds Augustus

Entry 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sorority, Social & Club Life

Entry 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eternal Commencement

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Entry 1In The Beginning

And so it began on December 17, 1912 Dorothy Alexandria was born to Powell Peebles Sr. and Virginia

Caroline Williams Peebles in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was the first of nine sisters and brothers. Her siblings included Beatrice (Charlie), Leonard, Vernelle, Nelson, Powell (Dink), Natalie, Howard (Jimbo) and Ervin. As a young girl she admired her father and mother who cared for her and her siblings. Dorothy grew to respect her father, Powell Sr. for his steadfast work ethic. He taught Dorothy how to set goals, work hard and never give up. As a young girl she also ad-mired her mother, Virginia, for showing her how to love, cook and sew. Dorothy quickly learned how to cook and prepare meals for her family. Being the oldest, she soon found her passion for cooking. She would create

delicious dishes with her mother by her side. She had fond memories of her father coming home with bags of apples for her and her sib-lings and a smile on his face from beautiful smells that greeted him at the door. Growing up on Oberlin Road with eight sisters and brothers they often found fun ways to en-tertain themselves. One day, when Dorothy and a few of her siblings didn’t have much to do, Dorothy told Nelson, her brother, to go down on the farm and milk the Billy goat. Nelson grabbed his bucket and went to milk the Billy goat. He later returned with a sour expression on his face and when Dorothy asked what was wrong with him, he replied, “I don’t like Billy goat milk”. And from that day on, Nelson’s nickname has been Billy. Dorothy established and maintained very special relationships with all of her siblings.

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Upon graduation from Washing-ton High School, she began her matriculation at TC (Teacher’s

College), in Winston Salem, which is now known as Winston-Salem State University. Through much practice with her younger siblings, Dorothy decided to study Educa-tion and become a teacher. This was a life journey filled with penetrating fortitude, stubborn determination, unending barricades, and countless little successes that made it all worthwhile. If sketched by a skilled map-maker, a map of her jour-ney would wind through the December frosted lakes, and deep into the grand can-yons, and into more dead end roads than all the policymak-ers who have tried and failed to improve public educa-tion. Following graduation, she began teaching in Holly Springs, North Carolina where she taught fourth grade for one year. She later began teaching in Shotwell, North Carolina where she passionately taught first grade. During her tenure in Shotwell, she met a handsome farmer, named Augustus, who was enrolled in Real Estate School, in New York City. A few years after meeting Augustus, Doro-thy began teaching for the Wendell School

system, where she challenged the minds of intrigued eighth graders for a year. Filled with an unrelenting desire to teach and in-spire the minds of young students, she then began teaching fifth through eighth grade at Lockhart school. Wanting to ensure that her students arrived to school on time and safely, Dorothy drove the school bus before and after teaching her classes.

As an emerging teacher she grew and developed into a professional educator. After the war ended, she enrolled into the master’s program at North Carolina Central Uni-versity in Durham, North Carolina. Upon complet-ing her master’s program, Dorothy was invited to join the faculty of the Graduate School, where she diligently worked for five years. With her Master’s degree com-pleted, she became a super-

visor for the Anson County School System. During her first year as the supervisor for the Anson County Schools, her second son, Michael Powell, was born. She then began supervising for the Wayne County Public Schools, thus forcing her to leave her son, Michael, at home in the care of a nurse maid and his father. She remembered that year being the worst year of her life. Joy-

Entry 2The Education of Dorothy

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fully, she later accepted a supervisory po-sition with the Raleigh Public School sys-tem, where she spent her last twenty years reforming education while inspiring, lov-ing and motivating the future of America. As an avid learner, she later studied at the University of Denver, Rutgers University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Columbia University in New York City where she began a Doctoral program in Ad-

ministration. While attending the mentioned universities, her sons were also enrolled in various courses such as, Horse Back Riding, Panning for Gold, Exploring the Woods, and Outdoor Cooking. Due to her devotion to her three sons, Morris, Ivan and Michael, she stopped pursuing her doctoral degree to plant her seeds of knowledge in the minds of her sons, she never stopped teaching

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When Dorothy began teaching in Shotwell she met a tall hand-some man named Augustus. It

was “Love at first sight” according to both Dorothy and Augustus. When they began courting, Augustus, also known as Kidd, would drive to Raleigh to pick Dorothy up in his fast car. Dorothy would also say “Kidd, would come pick me up and drive

really fast!” After dating for a while, Kidd picked up Dorothy in his fast car and took her for an adventurous ride down the curvy rain splashed roads of Wake County. As they speedily approached a flooded bridge, Doro-thy screamed “Kidd, Stop, Stop Kidd”. He looked over at her, smiled grabbed her hand, and ensured her that she was safe with him. She promised to never step another foot in

Entry 3Dorothy Weds Augustus

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the car with him again. But, on September 14, 1936, Dorothy married her best friend, the love of her life, Augustus Ivan Good-son Jr. From this beautiful union, they were excited to welcome two sons, Brownie and Michael.

Growing up Brownie and Michael were the typical active, energetic and curious boys that kept Dorothy and Kidd busy and on their toes. Although Kidd didn’t mind the boys playing tough and with insects and wild animals like snakes and turtles, Doro-thy did not want her boys playing with such potentially dangerous animals. Michael recalls a time when he and Brownie were waiting around for her to pick them up from school, and he wondered off into the nearby graveyard in the search snakes. To his luck he found enough snakes to fill his mason jar. After collecting his jar full, Brownie teased that he would tell Mommy. Ignoring his brother’s teases, he brought his snake col-lection with him in the car. As they drove home Brownie said “Do you know what he has back here Mommy?” and she replied curiously “What?” with much excitement, Brownie told that Michael had snakes. At the piercing sounds of snakes she immediately stopped the car in the middle of the road and demanded that Michael pour the snakes out “Boy if you don’t get those snakes out of here!” And he opened the door and he re-gretfully placed his jar on the ground.

Dorothy and Kidd had an unbreakable faith, bond and devotion to each other and most importantly to their family. During the early 60’s Dorothy’s sister in-law, Mary Pebbles passed away and as a result, Kidd and Dorothy adopted Morris, growing their family to five. Growing up Dorothy taught

the boys to be diligent learners and to have an unwavering faith in God. Watching her boys grow into responsible, caring and hard-working men, Dorothy prepared for her re-tirement. As she watched her sons become men, she was proud to see that they mar-ried women as devoted and loving as she. Brownie married Clarice, Michael married Lina and Morris married Carolyn. Dorothy and Lina took many shopping trips together but one of their fondest shopping memories was when, Dorothy and Lina bought match-ing cashmere sweaters, to Lina’s surprise, they both enjoyed fashion. Dorothy and Cla-rice cherished their long summer walks and bonding while making homemade pickles, jellies and freezing fresh vegetables, which was one of the mandatory things she had on her summer to do list. During the sum-mer, she also loved for Dwight, Morris, and Leonard to come down to rabbit hunt.

When Shanel, Miranda, Augustus IV (Gus), Jerry, Sophelia and Hannah were born she was elated to become a grandmother. They affectionately call her “Momma Dot”. Over-joyed with the arrival of her grandchildren, she could not wait to teach them everything she knew. She taught Shanel (Sweets) how to sew and cook all of her favorite deserts, Miranda (Randy) how to make strawberry preserves, Gus how to catch a butterfly and any other life desires, Jerry, Sophelia and Hannah how to pick strawberries and al-ways remain strong. In addition to her six grandchildren, she was also blessed with a great granddaughter named Chassidy, whom she gave endless hugs and kisses. But most importantly she taught them how to live life to its fullest and to love your family uncon-ditionally.

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Dorothy’s life was filled with a variety of traveling experiences and club memberships. With

her sons, she traveled to forty-one of the fifty states. One of her most thrilling ex-periences was her visit to the base of the Niagara Falls. At the base of the falls, she had the most beautiful view as the mist from the fall kissed her cheeks. Her last in-ternational trip was a tour of Asia. During her tour, she visited Tokyo, Japan, Beirut, China and Hong Kong. While in China she was able to visit The Great Wall. Among her vast traveling experiences, she was honored by the National Council of Negro Women and she was also a dedicated and life long member of the PTA, Girl Scouts, and Prestige Club.

In 1968 Dorothy began a new commit-ment. This time she was dedicating herself to the ideals and principles of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc . She along with 5 oth-er professional women, Dorethea Handy, Mimmie Howard, Billie Hooker, Sydney Roberts and Anabella Stallings embarked

along the path of membership into the Ra-leigh Alumnae Chapter. This was an orga-nization that she knew to be founded on the Christian beliefs that were instilled in her as a young girl. So in she threw her-self, giving of her time, her talent and her treasure. In her 44 years as a devoted Delta she served on various committees focused on community service. She attended health forums on the campus of St. Augustine’s College and participated in May Week Ac-tivities. After nine years in the organization she was voted as their President in 1977. She served for a two-year term and during her presidency she continued to bridge the gap between the graduate and collegiate chapters. She traveled to Goldsboro for the area Founder’s Day programming and rou-tinely attended National Conventions. One of the highlights of her presidency was the recognition dinner for Dr. Nelson Harris, President of Shaw University and the first lady who was also a member of the Ra-leigh Alumnae Chapter.

Entry 4Sorority, Social & Club Life

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Momma Dot With the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing

that there are many who love you dearly. The memories you’ve made with us will last forever.

The tenderness you’ve shared with us will never fade.The most wonderful gift you could ever give

is the special part of you that now lives in each of us.And the truth your love has taught us

can only be strengthened by the gift of timeFor where roots grow deep, memories grow forever.

Your Grandchildren

Psalm 23KING JAMES VERSION (KJV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

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Entry 5

Eternal CommencementSunrise Dec. 17, 1912 Sunset Nov 29, 2012

ORDER OF SERVICE

Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, 12:00pmWilson Temple United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC

Reverend Regina Henderson, PresidingOrgan Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . Minister of Music . . . . . Phyllis McLeodThe Words of Grace Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles GoodsonPrayer Scripture Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. John Thatch

Good Hope Baptist Church Knightdale, NC Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Precious Lord”………….Sydni ScottReflections . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Haynes Ret. Col., Patricia McCullersAcknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geraldine ButtsObituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Read Silently) Musical Selection . . . . . . . Amazing Grace……Hannah Grace Goodson Accompanied by grandchildren

Eulogy PrayerBenedictionRecessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “When We All Get To Heaven” Interment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolina Biblical Gardens Repast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Temple United Methodist Church.

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Dorothy leaves her footprints on the hearts of her sons, Augustus Ivan III (Clarice) and Michael Powell (Lina), grandchildren: Shanel, Miranda, Augustus Ivan IV, Jerry, Sophelia, Hannah, and a great grandchild, Chassidy; as well as two brothers Nelson (Elizabeth) and Ervin, sisters in-law Amelia, Margaret, Shirley in addition to God-daughters, Kimberley Scott, Mischelle Corbin and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Pallbearers: Darrell Peebles, Dewight Peebles Sr., Wilbert Lassiter III, William Peebles, Ivan Peebles, Ron Peebles, Kenneth PeeblesFloral Bearers: Amelia Williams-Boyd, Virginia Young, Lolita Jackson, Anita Peebles, Kimberley Scott, Mischelle Corbin, Claudette Cook, Edith Romaine, Brenda Younger, Glenda Chin, Powell Anne Wiggins, Gloria Neltine Patterson.

The Shortest JourneyThe sweetest moments to recall, stay locked within our minds….

those moments with our children, (by far the sweetest kind)To see our children learning and growing more each day….These moments are so precious and too soon they slip away. We hold the memories tightly and time does not impair…

the bond between a mother and the children in her care.It seems before we know it, we blink and they are grown…

from childhood to adulthood: the shortest journey ever known.We Will Love you always,

Brownie & Clarice, Michael & Lina, Morris

Acknowledgements and DedicationThe family of Dorothy Peebles Goodson wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to the many disciples of Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, our friend’s relatives, neigh-bors, and supporters for each act of kindness shown.

Thank you caregivers, Krystal Buffaloe and Hospice of Wake County for your warm ex-pression and concern. And a special thank you, to Best Friend Norma Dacumos, for your daily love and care. Your out pouring of sympathy, prayers and love has made our beloved Dorothy’s departure so much easier to bear. May God richly bless all of you. The Family