Juanita Goolsby

Juanita GoolsbyA very special lady has died. Helen Juanita Gee Goolsby died peacefully at her daughter's home in Midland, Texas, Monday, June 18, 2007, after a very full and well lived life. Juanita was born October 16, 1922 to Gus and "Dollie" Evans Gee in Orange, Texas. She was a bright and articulate child and graduated valedictorian of her class at Anahuac High School in 1939.Juanita married the love of her life, Durward Mason Goolsby, on September 26, 1945 in Beaumont, Texas. Their life together took them to Austin, Texas, then to Tulsa, Oklahoma where both their children were born (daughter, Pamela and son, Gary). They made Midland, Texas their home in 1954, when Durward joined the Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder law firm. Juanita was a loving wife and mother and so much more. Juanita was an extremely gracious lady. She loved to laugh and talk and her husband often said she "took people's depositions". Her interest in people was genuine and she loved to know all the details. She was a friend to everyone she met. Juanita Goolsby was an outstanding servant of the Midland community as she involved herself with many organizations in our city. Juanita served on the board of the High Sky Girl's Ranch (now the High Sky Children's Ranch), the Midland Symphony Guild, the Lawyer's Wives Club and others. Juanita received the Trimble Service Award in August of 1986. The award, co-sponsored by the Leadership Midland Alumni Association and the Midland Reporter Telegram, was established to recognize citizens who best represent the spirit of volunteerism and who have contributed to the community. Juanita was nominated by the Children's Service League, an organization which supported the Cerebal Palsy Center (now known as Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center). At the time Juanita received the Trimble Service Award she had been a member of the Children's Service League for 29 years. She had served in many capacities with the League and on the Board of the CP Center. Her membership with the Children's Service League continued until 2002 and she was made an honorary member in 2006 for her years of service. Serving the CP Center was Juanita's greatest love and her life's work. She devoted much of her time to fund raising for the Center to ensure that it could offer its services to the children that it served at no fee. She considered her work for the children at the center her "privilege" and her "pleasure". Juanita genuinely loved these children and she saw many grow up during her years as a volunteer with the Children's Service League.Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, James Gee, her husband, Durward M. Goolsby, and her son, Gary Mason Goolsby. Juanita was a member of the holy Trinity Episcopal Church for many years. Juanita is survived by her daughter, Pamela, and her husband, Jack Sharrick of Midland, Texas, her grandson Harrel Sharrick of Austin, Texas, her grandson Paul Sharrick and his wife, Jennifer, of San Antonio, Texas and granddaughter, Laci Goolsby Dudley of Ft. Worth, Texas. Juanita is also survived by her great grandsons, Jackson Sharrick, Thomas Sharrick, Andrew Sharrick, Samuel Sharrick and Hunter Dudley. A visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm.A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity in Midland.Honorary pallbearers are Milton Bankston, Jack Blake, Tip Branch, Bill Browder, Bill Cotner, Bob Cowan, Jim Crawford, Gary Douglas, Harold Feldt, Tevis Herd, Ron Holcombe, Harry Miller, Charles Priddy, Smith Ray, Perkin Sams, Al Schorre, Whit Whitlow, Ronnie Williams and Charles Younger.The family would like to express its gratitude to Rose, Crystal, Angie, Jennifer and Tamika and all the staff at Home Hospice that made Juanita's last days so peaceful. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in memory of Juanita's life work to the source- the Midland Children's Rehabilitation Center, 802 Ventura Ave. Midland, TX 79705. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,