Irene Beatty Goodlett was born September 9, 1928, and died March 17, 2024. A cherished educator and devout servant of faith, she passed away leaving a legacy of love and service. Born to Larkin and Annace Beatty in Wilkes County, N.C., she was a luminary of academic excellence, graduating from Unity High School and Livingstone College with a BA in English. Her 30-year career in education was marked by her dedication to nurturing young minds in English and Special Education.
Irene’s spiritual life was rich and active, reflected in her lifelong devotion to the AME Zion Church. She served in various capacities, from choir member to Deaconess, and was instrumental in ministries such as the Weekly Meal Ministry (Third Creek, Moore’s Chapel, Ardis Chapel). Her commitment to faith extended to her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she was a founding member of the Beta Kappa Chapter at Livingstone College and an active member of the Salisbury Alumnae Chapter.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter E. Goodlett Sr.
Irene was a loving mother to her two sons, Walter E. (Barbara) Goodlett Jr. of Raleigh, N.C., and Andre L. (Sandra) Goodlett of Indianapolis, Ind. She is also survived by her nephews, Karl Majors Jr. of Akron, Ohio, and Kevan Majors of Youngstown, Ohio. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Clarissa R. (Paul) Goodlett and Walter E. (Tye) Goodlett III, both of Raleigh, N.C., Jasmine N. (Ryan) Goodlett of Phoenixville, Pa., Spencer C. (Alyssa) Goodlett of Lexington, S.C., Kelly C. (Matt) Gonzalez, and Erica C. (Edin) Bilalovic, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; and grandnieces, Kamaria Majors and Kennedy Majors, both of Akron, Ohio. She was a doting great-grandmother to Walter E. Goodlett IV and Rishon Quincy Goodlett, both of Raleigh, N.C., Tariq P. Bilalovic, Mayson P Bilalovic and Francis Reyes, all three of Jacksonville, Fla., and Atlas J. Goodlett of Lexington, S.C., along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all mourn her passing.
A passionate educator, a devout church member, and a proud Soror of Delta Sigma Theta, Irene’s legacy of love, commitment, and service will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew her. She was a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and make a positive impact on the world.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Varick Auditorium, Livingstone College, 701 N. Monroe Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Burial will follow on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the National VA Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home, 603 South Center Street, Statesville, North Carolina 28677, is serving the Goodlett family.