Ruth Goodwin

Ruth Goodwin, 93, of Kingsport passed away peacefully on February 10 at the home of her daughter, Barbara Tilley, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Ruth was a sweet soul who always had a smile on her face and a kind word for anyone she met. She brought joy to those who surrounded her. She always put her family and others first; never herself. She made the world a better place for all who knew her.

She was a homemaker and took care of the financial books for Charles Goodwin Music Company. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport for over sixty years, where she taught 2^nd grade  Sunday School, Preschool Choir, played in the Orchestra, played with the Handbell Choir, and sang in the Adult Choir. For the last several years she attended Colonial Heights Christian Church when her health allowed. She volunteered for the Habitat Resale Store well into her eighties.

Ruth was born in Bristol, VA to the late Dean and Otis Booth Frey. She graduated from Tennessee High School and shortly after, married the love of her life, the late Charles Goodwin. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, William Frey.

She is survived by her four children, Barbara Tilley (Alan), Fred Goodwin (Carol), Gayle Agner (Charles), and Emily Millwood (Mark); eight grandchildren, Angela Willocks, Amy Cole (Brandon), Melissa Reid (Matt), Matthew Tilley (Tiffany), Nathan Goodwin, Spencer Southerland, Olivia Millwood, and Lucy Millwood, sixteen great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild, with a second on the way and due in August; and brother, Robert Frey (Pat).

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Colonial Heights Christian Church. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7 p.m. with David Mullins, Minister and Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. 

Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol TN. Family and friends are requested to arrive 15 minutes early.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the following:   First Baptist Church Music Ministry in Kingsport, Colonial Heights Christian Church, 105 Meadow Lane, Kingsport, TN 37663, or Habitat for Humanity, 750 E. Main St., Kingsport, TN 37660.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kelly and Whitney and all of the staff of Smoky Mountain Hospice for the love and care you showed our Mother over the last year. You are true Gifts from God.