JOPLIN, MO —
Melba Jean Goff, age 83, of Joplin, Mo., entered into her eternal rest on Dec. 17, 2012, at the Arbors following her battle with Alzheimer's.
Jean was born March 28, 1929, the daughter of the late John and Vivian Thurman in Joplin. She was a 1947 graduate of Joplin High School. Jean worked as the Welcome Wagon hostess in Joplin, as well as a waitress at the Joplin Auto Auction. Most notably, Jean worked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a driver examiner for over 25 years alongside Harold Wood and Richard Miller, her dear friends. Many Joplin teens took their first written drivers test under the supervision of Jean. She was a member of the Park Plaza Christian Church and a former member of the Villa Heights Christian Church. Jean's love of music was evident her entire life as she sang in choirs and plays or anywhere that she could. She volunteered at Freeman Hospital and she and her husband did volunteer work at Spring River Christian Village.
Jean married Jack T. Goff Dec. 21, 1947, in Joplin. He preceded her in death on Jan. 16, 2008.
She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister, Joyce Perry in 2010, due to Joplin's devastating tornado; and a grandson, Shad Coleman.
Survivors include two daughters, S.E. Coleman, currently residing in Kampala, Uganda, and Penny Cude, Fort Myers, Fla.; one son, Terry T. Goff and wife, Lynn, Joplin; five grandchildren, Thad Coleman, Dustin Miller, Zach Goff, Desiree Miller and Logan Cude; and three great-grandchildren, Mycah, Devin and Destinee; along with a multitude of her lifelong friends and family members.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with B.A. Austin, Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary, of Joplin.
Online condolences may be made at www.masonwoodard.com
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