Charity Mae Goates Obituary (1934

Charity Mae Goates, 72 of Russellville died Friday, July 14, 2006 at her home. The daughter of Arvle and Stella Mae (Moses) Goates, she was born May 5, 1934 in San Benito, Texas. In 1939, at the age of 5 years, she moved with her family from Texas to Goates Mountain, North of Price Grove Community in Pope County. In the next few years, Charity helped establish a Sunday school ministry that is now the Price Grove Assembly of God Church. Other pioneered church congregations that Charity helped her parents build and promote are the Pleasant Grove Assembly of God and the Scottsville Assembly of God. Charity's school years were at Hector where she graduated high school in 1952. Following her graduation she became a student at Arkansas Polytechnic College. She graduated in 1956 with a degree in education. The lives and education of hundreds of Pope County children were influenced by Charity for over 20 years in the Hector elementary school system. Many after school hours were spent teaching piano. While sitting by her side, children learned appreciation of music. However, Charity's greatest impacting contributions were spiritual. Her entire life was dedicated to mentoring and spiritually guiding young lives. As a result, today there are pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and church administrators serving in active ministry all over the world. Charity was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Russellville and the Arkansas Retired Teacher's Association. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Evelyn Huffman, and Lily Nelle Goates; and one brother, Sam Goates. She is survived by two sisters, Joie Stevens of Dover and Helen Dunham of Scotland; one sister-in-law, Lou Goates of Harrison, one aunt, Stella Sanders of Dover; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones, former students and special friends. All of Charity's nieces and nephews think they were absolutely her favorite. One of her favorites, Ryan, wrote this for her the afternoon of her death, the sentiment is felt by all. You were known by many and loved by all. You taught us to love each other and to never forget to call. Your name means love and you lived your name well. Though you had no children of your own, your nieces and nephews will tell. The love and support you gave, through years and years of fun, with pop-ups in your freezer, and history lessons on your tongue. There were always gifts at Christmas with Santa and a tree. But I will always remember your loving farewells. "Don't forget to give to your favorite C-h-a-r-i-t-y!" Charity, you were a lovely lady, loved by so many and will be missed by all. Special thanks to Dr. Stan Bradley and his staff. Thank you so much Kelly, Charlene and Irene. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, July 17, 2006 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville with Reverend Jerry Patton and Reverend Phil Pittman officiating. Burial will follow in Goates Cemetery at Scottsville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. PDF Printable Version