Nellie Nilee Goad passed away at age 86 in Muskogee, OK, Friday, November 13, 2009. Nell was born January 17, 1923 near Leslie, AR, to Benjamin H. Smith and Mary E. Montgomery Smith. She lived in Haskell, OK, where she attended school. She married Myrl Goad on May 14, 1945 in Muskogee and was married 40 years before his death in 1985. Nell worked as a waitress in Muskogee during World War II and after her marriage she was a homemaker. She and her husband along with their three children lived in California for a short time then returned to Muskogee. Nell loved serving God, loved serving others, and loved gospel music. She is most remembered for her service to God by serving others. She believed her purpose in life was to help at least one person every day. She was an avid reader of the Bible for three to four hours each day. One would always see her Bible open with pen, study guides and notes written all over the pages. Because of her knowledge of the Bible, she led Bible studies at retirement facilities and churches. She prayed diligently for her family and friends and any other request made to her. She is the one that friends and family would call for prayer. "When God extends a helping hand He does it through a friend." She attended every Singing Convention available and gained many friends through this organization. She was taught by her father to sing by learning the tones of each shaped note. She then taught herself how to play the piano and organ by these tones. She had a beautiful alto voice and loved harmonizing with anyone who would sing with her. She was a devoted supporter of the American servicemen. Both her husband and her son served in a total of three wars. She faithfully attended any ceremony or event that honored the veterans. One of her hobbies was crocheting afghans, runners, doilies, Christmas ornaments, stockings and Christmas tree Angels for all her children and grandchildren. She made wonderful homemade plum jelly picked from her own plum tree. Nell was a great seamstress who made clothes for herself as well as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nell is survived by three children and their spouses; Saundra "Sandy" and Jim Cox of Muskogee, Brenda and Ray Hull of Muskogee, and Vernon "Randy" and Peggy Goad of Braggs, OK; six grandchildren; Nita Cox of Tulsa Sheri Barton and husband, John, of Muskogee, Jeff Hull of Ft. Worth, TX, Rowdy Hull and wife, Tammy, of Muskogee, Syndi Coleman and husband, Jeremy, of Ft. Gibson, Michael and Nakita Goad of Braggs, Brandon Elder and wife, Marci, of Aurora, CO; five great-grandchildren; Lindy and Alison Barton, Karli Hull, Tyler and Stefanie Wright; a brother and his wife, Clifford and Berna Smith of Neosho, MO; numerous loving nieces, nephews, and many friends. Three special friends are Lois Murr, Betty Miller and Bluie Mayes. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two infant siblings and two sisters, Virginia Taylor and Hazel Rosenberg of CA.The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Kuykendall, the staff of MRMC, Eastgate Village and the special care given by the staff Solaro Hospital. The family has entrusted Lescher-Millsap Funeral Service of Muskogee with funeral arrangements. Family and friends viewing will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The service for Nell will be held at Christian Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. The Muskogee County Gospel Singers will be singing from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Pallbearers are the following; Jeffrey Hull, Rowdy Hull, Michael Goad, John Barton, Avis Goad and Larry Crabtree. Honorary Pallbearers are the following; Larry Miller, Bobby Jones, Gerald (Bub) Goad, Steve Goad, Stanley Doughty and Wayne Goad.
Published in the Muskogee Phoenix from 11/16/2009 - 11/17/2009