Reverend Jerome Jerry Goodman

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Mr. Jerome Jerry Goodman, 66, passed away on March 17, 2015 at North Okaloosa Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family where he resided in Crestview, Florida.

Happily married for 42 years to his lovely wife, Verna; they have one daughter, Natasha Nikki Goodman; two grandchildren: Elias Eman Abraham Akins and Emani Natalya Akins; a grand host of nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and seventeen godchildren. 

The Reverend Goodman was blessed with the best parents Heaven has to offer, Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Maggie Goodman, both whom proceeded him in death. To help complete the home-foundation of the Goodman family there were nine supportive siblings: Roosevelt (deceased), Sherry (deceased), William, George (Joyce), Sherman (deceased), Francine, Frank (Gloria), Barbara Ann (deceased) all of Columbus, Georgia, and Sheryl of Washington D.C.

The Reverend Goodman was a 1967 graduate of the William H. Spencer High School and was baptized at Rose Hill Memorial Baptist Church in Columbus (East Highland), Georgia, at a very young age. Mr. Goodman also served in the United States Air Force, where he retired after serving 20 years as a Technical Sergeant.

In addition, Mr. Goodman also retired from the Okaloosa County School Board where he was proudly supported among his many friends' and associates. As a superior manager, between Columbus, Georgia and The Florida Panhandle, Mr. Goodman was the Chief Liaison for the company, "Entertainment With A Purpose," alongside his brother, Professional Ventriloquist George Goodman, which features George's magnificent partner, "Oscar," established in Columbus, Georgia. Jerome was always thrilled and first to laugh during each performance. Pastor Goodman's home Church in Crestview, Florida was Mount Zion AME Church.

He proudly served as the Senior Pastor of St Luke AME Church, St. John AME Church, New Bethel AME Church, and a host of other magnificent and glorious AME Churches of the 11th Episcopal District. Pastor Goodman pioneered his own fellowship to feed several Florida communities to provide for those in need of food as he sought after anyone, including the homeless, in need of God's blessings. He was the profound chairman of "The Joyful Seniors", an assembly of senior participants that toured Florida and surrounding states, welcoming every disciple that would come, regardless of preferences to enjoy a night of food, fun and entertainment.

A wake for Pastor Goodman will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and his Celebration of Life on Saturday March, 28, 2015 at 2:00 pm, both from the sanctuary of Mount Zion AME Church, 502 McDonald Street, Crestview, Florida.

Pastor Goodman will then travel to Fort Mitchell Alabama National Cemetery, 553 AL. 165, near his hometown of Columbus, Georgia on Monday, March 30, 2015 where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.

And lastly, Pastor Jerome Jerry Goodman will complete his earthly journey of "going up yonder," to be with his God to feast on the everlasting Bread of Life, and forever firmly stand where peaceful waters flow. "Farewell, Pastor Goodman," from countless of his friends. But from every member of his family…, we say, "We will meet again." 

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