Shirley Nell Goodman

Funeral services for Shirley Nell Goodman will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Matthew Johnson and Tim Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery. The Goodman Family will receive guests Friday, June 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, and Saturday, June 20, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley Nell Goodman, of the Whynot community, transitioned to her Heavenly home Tuesday morning, June 16, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her brother, Larry B Goodman (Jesse); her sister, MarLynne Goodman Moore; step-brother, Michael Landrum (Brenda); niece, Wendi Dunn Best (Chuck); step-nieces, Kelly Landrum Boyles (Cory) and Rebecca Landrum Vick (Derek); step-nephew, Steven Landrum (Angie); great nieces, Julia Katherine Best, Georgia Claire Best, Sophie Corinne Best; Ann Shannon Rolison and many other cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brown Lee Goodman and Vernell Chatham Goodman Landrum, and brother-in-law, William Ray Moore, Jr.

Shirley Nell was born on March 28, 1945, into the Silent Generation. At that time, our country was still embroiled in World War II, but peace was on the horizon. A pound of Ritz Crackers cost 21 cents, a gallon of gas 15 cents, and a first-class stamp 3 cents. Joan Crawford won an Oscar for Best Actress. Bob Hope was a national treasure. Baby Shirley would finally meet her proud father when she was 4 months old. She brought so much joy to their lives from her earliest days. She grew into an adventurous girl with a head full of ringlets. She loved horses and got her very own at age 9, named Trigger, who would live close to 40 years. Her earliest playmates were her cousins. She was a loving and protective big sister. She grew up in a time when girls were not allowed to wear pants but that did not keep her from athletic endeavors. Everyone wanted to be on her team during recess at Whynot School. She was known for her long ponytail and athletic ability.

Shirley Nell attended Southeast Lauderdale High School and was among the first graduating class of 1963. During her senior year she played basketball, was voted Most Intelligent, Most Athletic, and Most Likely to Succeed. She then attended East Mississippi Community College (Scooba) where she was also voted Most Intelligent and Most Likely to Succeed. After graduating from University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in business education, she moved to Atlanta for her first teaching job at Roosevelt High School. Atlanta’s schools in the late 1960’s were marked by segregation, resource disparities, and a mix of traditional and emerging teaching methods. They were also at the forefront of a transformative era in American education as civil rights struggles reshaped the city’s learning environment. After playing a faculty basketball game, she was asked to coach the girls’ basketball team, which sparked a lifelong interest in coaching girls’ sports. She returned to the University of Southern Mississippi for her master’s degree in business education.

She brought her experience and education back to the community of Whynot to serve as headmistress and girls’ basketball coach of Whynot Academy. She moved on to Meridian Community College in the mid-70’s. She began as an instructor in Business Education, teaching subjects such as bookkeeping, typing, and shorthand. She worked her way up to Department Chair and eventually retired in 2010 as Associate Vice President of Work Force Education. While at MCC, she was one of the three that were responsible for developing vocational programs, such as Industrial Truck Driving, Welding, and other Go-To-Work programs. She was chosen by Dr Scott Elliott to receive the Highest Flying Eagle Award recognizing untiring devotion to the College and the modeling of its highest ideals.

In 2017, the Shirley Nell Goodman Classroom was unveiled in the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center. She was inducted into the MCC Hall Of Fame in 2018.

She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church, where she served in many areas from youth leader, Sunday School teacher, committees, committee chairperson and many other areas. She was a true servant of God, choosing to lead by example. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23.

She possessed an adventurous, yet peaceful nature throughout her life. She was a natural athlete and was called by the nickname “Sport” in the athletic community. She excelled at basketball, played intramural softball as catcher, mostly because the pitcher pitched fastball and others were afraid. She also played shortstop and third base for the Sweetpeas, travelling to tournaments all along the Southeast in the 80s. She played recreational volleyball in a church gym. She went on to coach youth softball for many years and always demonstrated fairness. She expected nothing but the best out of each of her players, regardless of ability. She enjoyed tennis and pickleball later in her life and picked up each quickly. She was the epitome of sportsmanship, mixed in with plenty of playfulness and “creative” strategy.

People describe her as supportive and encouraging. She was a mentor, teacher, friend, example to so many. She was well-respected, not because she demanded it, but because she earned it. She was a leader without ever needing to raise her voice. She was ever mindful of those following her footsteps. She refused to hear “I can’t” and would correct anyone who dared to utter those words. She would accept “I am having difficulty.” A favorite scripture was, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Phillipians 4:13). She spent her retirement years doting on her great nieces, playing dominoes, and spent many days “piddling” around Whynot and surrounding areas. She never met a stranger and certainly Heaven will be no different.

“Tally ho, Let’s go!”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing memorial contributions with The MCC Foundation in memory of Shirley Nell Goodman.