Ethel Winstead Goolsby

Ethel Winstead Goolsby, longtime resident of Wortham, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on June 17, 2019, at the age of 99.

Ethel was born at home in Streetman on April 30, 1920, to Myra and Tyree Winstead.  She married James R. Goolsby in Corsicana on Dec. 10, 1943, and they were blessed with six children. In addition to being a wife and mother, she enjoyed a successful cosmetology business for 48 years in Wortham.  She was actively involved in the Wortham Independent School District for many years.  Ethel was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia, where she received the Bishop’s Lumen Gentium Award for stewardship, leadership and as an extraordinary role model for the parish. She enjoyed helping others by volunteering at Caritas and serving in the Altar Guild.  Ethel also enjoyed traveling with family and friends from Alaska to the Florida Keys and internationally.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myra and Tyree Winstead; husband James Goolsby; sister Sarah Zoda; brother Jerome Winstead; and grandson Jim Rodgers.

Ethel is survived by her six children, Claudia Stitle and husband Dick, of Aledo, Judy Bowen and husband Martin, of Ft. Worth, Dian Frederick, of Wortham, Randy Goolsby and wife Kathy, of Wortham, David Goolsby and wife Jayleene, of Aledo, and Paul Goolsby and wife Annette, of Fairfield, and sister Mary Howell, of Blooming Grove; 20 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Thursday evening, June 20, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary.  A requiem Mass was celebrated Friday morning, June 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia with Father Justin Nguyen officiating.  Interment followed in the Wortham Cemetery.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Because Ethel was devoted to her church, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund, 607 N. Bonham, Mexia, TX 76667.

Visit blair-stubbs.com to leave a message of condolence or sign the guest book.