“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Shirley Ann Bailey Goddard was born on April 16, 1951, to the late Harold and Martha Singleton Bailey. She was the eldest of eight children. Shirley was reared by her paternal great uncle and aunt, the late Samuel, and Susie Lane Bailey. Her grandparents, the late Benjamin and Rebecca LaBrew Bailey and the late Dan and Elizabeth Moye Singleton also played an integral part in her upbringing. She departed this earthy life on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
Shirley was educated in the Richland One Schools, attending Waverly Elementary, W. A. Perry Middle, C. A. Johnson High, and Columbia High Schools. Although she graduated from Columbia High School, she celebrated reunions with the C. A. Johnson Class of 1969. She did further studies at Richland Technical College, now Midlands Technical College.
Shirley met the love of her life, Richard Micheal “Fuzz” Goddard while in 8th grade at W. A. Perry Middle School. They dated throughout high school and married after graduation. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. To that union, two children were born.
In 1974, Shirley began employment with the State Government while working with the Division of Employment and Training. While in State Government, she held jobs such as Data Manager, Research Analyst, and Data Control Clerk. She also worked with the Office of Management Information System. She retired from the State Government in 2008.
Shirley lived in a loving and Christian home and was brought up in Sidney Park C.M.E. Church where she received Christ at the age of 13. Her greatest joy was serving and praising God for all her blessings. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. She moved her membership to Jones Memorial A.M.E. Zion under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Vincent Meekins. Shirley loved Jones Memorial dearly and gave her time, talent, and treasure. She worked faithfully, diligently, and conscientiously to do God’s will. Over the years, Shirley worked tirelessly in many organizations within the local church and in the Columbia Camden District.
Shirley enjoyed sports, especially football. Her favorite professional football team was the Washington Redskins. She and Richard were season ticket holders at the South Carolina State University football games.
One sister, Karen Bailey, and a brother, Robert Bailey preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Richard; son, Richard Michael Goddard II (Tara), and daughter, Viva Renee’ Goddard, both of Columbia, SC; grandsons, Brannon Michael and Brenton Thommas Goddard of Columbia, SC; one great-granddaughter, Kinsley Kori Goddard; sisters, Merlene Bailey and Castine Bailey Simons, both of Columbia, SC; brothers, Melvin Jerome Bailey of Columbia, SC; Gregory Leon Bailey (Debra) of Eastover, SC and Ronnie Bailey of Laurel, MD; brothers-in-law, Robert A. Goddard (Geraldine) of Columbia, SC and Emmett Tolliver (Lisa) of Royal Oaks, MD; and a sister-in-law, Darmay Tolliver of Baltimore, MD; special Aunt, Lillian Ellison, and a host of nephews, and nieces.
