GLADYS LANE GOODWIN

Gladys Lane Goodwin of Salem, VA, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at the age of 93.

               Gladys was born on July 10, 1925, in Floyd, Virginia, to Hiley Columbus Lane and Alia Cooper Lane.  She graduated as valedictorian from Alum Ridge High School in Floyd.  Gladys worked at the Radford Arsenal where she met her future husband and love of her life, Bob. Gladys and Bob married on March 24, 1945, and settled in Salem, VA. where they created a home filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories for their two children, Bobby and Patsy.

Gladys was an active member of Salem Baptist Church and the Friendship Garden Club, among many other local organizations and volunteer groups. She was a renowned cook and hostess who was always ready to comfort a guest with a glass of sweet tea or some homemade beef vegetable soup. She was famous for her boiled custard at Christmas, and she created a holiday sugar cookie recipe that is still used today. Above all, Gladys was devoted to her family and friends and was widely loved for her warm, caring spirit and sense of humor.

Gladys was preceded in death by her father, Hiley; her mother, Alia; her sister, Iva; and her brothers, Warren, Rockford, and Bill.  She is survived by James Robert Goodwin III, “Bob”, her devoted husband of 74 years; her son, James Robert Goodwin IV, “Bobby,” and wife, Bethany; her daughter, Patsy and husband, Steve; her grandsons, Jimmy and Jack, and her step-grandsons, Tyler and Joshua.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Lotz Funeral Home Salem.  Entombment will follow visitation at Sherwood Memorial Park at

3 p.m. with Reverend Everett Kier officiating. 

The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Brandon Oaks who made Gladys’ final years safe, comfortable and fulfilling. We are also extraordinarily grateful to the private caregivers who watched over Gladys with tremendous love and compassion: Rose Ralston, Whitney Bass, Natasha Smith and Angela Scott. You are incredible individuals who had an invaluable impact on Gladys and those of us who loved her dearly. We thank you so much!  

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Baptist Church or the American Diabetes Association. 

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