Mary Jewell Smith Goggins

Mary Jewell Smith Goggins was born December 9, 1936 to the late Alfonzo Smith and Fannie Wilson Smith. She was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama where she graduated from Carver High School in 1955.

Shortly after graduation, she was hired at Baptist Memorial Hospital, then General Times Corporation, and after that EMCO Incorporated. After working for everyone else, she decided to open her own business "Goggins Daycare" where she cared for the kids through home cooked meals and genuine love.

In May of 1955, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Leon Goggins. From this union, God blessed them with five children: Michael Leon, Cynthia Laverne, Anthony Esko, Jacqueline Katerna, and the late Reginald Benet.

Jewell was an active member of Handy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Before her illness, she was a member of the Jessie M. Groce Women's Missionary Society, Pastor's Aid Board, and the Usher Board.

She was a member of Club Carousel which was created by several strong black women, as a social saving club. They met twice a month at each other's homes and served elaborate meals. Their clubs meetings were child friendly, which was therapeutic for mothers that needed a break. Club Carousel had two major events yearly, "The Red and White Ball" and "The Madd Hatters Ball". At the end of the year, they purchased Christmas toys for kids.

She leaves to cherish her sweet memories: her children, Michael (Cathy) Goggins of Gadsden, AL, Cynthia Goggins, Anthony Goggins of Birmingham, AL, and Jacqueline (Elder Terry) Burrell, Sr. of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, DeRico Jackson, Harryko Jackson Sr., Nakeeisha Pernell, Jamar Whitehead, Terry Burrell Jr., Ashleigh Goggins, and Chasity Goggins; sisters-in-law, Hazel (Pastor James) Jenkins, Ola Mae Harkness, and Irma Goggins; thirteen great-grandchildren; seven great great-grandchildren; best friends, Lucy Madden, Roberta Harville, Marynette Watson, and William Brad Cantrel; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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