Earl Leaman Gooden, 88, a retired educator, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale.
Earl Leaman Gooden was born to James and Jannie Gooden on April 1, 1934 in Clarksdale. He was the third of five sons born into a loving and nurturing family. While the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s were challenging times in the nation, Mr. Gooden and his brothers walked confidently in the direction of their dreams guided by the love and support of their parents.
Mr. Gooden accepted Christ at an early age and was raised in the Baptist faith. In 1959, he converted to Catholicism at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he was a dedicated member for 63 years. Over the years, he served as Immaculate Conception Parish Council President, Immaculate Conception School Board President, and Finance Council member. He was actively involved in all programs and activities of the church.
In 2018, he was presented the Bishop John J. Chanche Award for Service in recognition of his work and dedication through the years.
A serious student and avid reader, He was Valedictorian of the first graduating class of W. A. Higgins High School in 1953. He received a scholarship to Jackson State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Mathematics and Education. He also earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois.
He married the love of his life, Bessie Davis, in 1968. To this union, one son JoMichael
Joseph (Earl Joseph) Gooden was born.
After graduating from college, he served in the United States Army. He taught math and science at De La Salle High School in Chicago, IL; W.A. Higgins High School; and Immaculate Conception High School. Mr. Gooden also studied with the Christian Brothers in Glencoe, Missouri. He returned to Clarksdale and resumed teaching math and science at Immaculate Conception School.
He often spoke of the dedicated parents, determined students and committed Order of BVM Sisters.
Mr. Gooden was a financial consultant with Friendship Federal Credit Union for four years. In 1969, he joined the staff of Coahoma Community College as an educator. During his career at the college, Mr. Gooden served as Chairperson of the Department of Education and Psychology, and later, as Academic Dean until he retired in 1993.
Mr. Gooden was active in his community. He was a life member of the Jackson State University Alumni Association, the University of Illinois Alumni Association and the NAACP. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His kind heart, intellectual curiosity, sense of humor, and commitment to service endeared him to many. He always found time to encourage others. He generously shared books by his favorite authors for birthdays and holidays, and he followed up with conversational quizzes to find out if you had read them.
He supported numerous charities. He enjoyed a robust conversation about events of the day.
For those privileged to know and love him, the memory of Earl Leaman Gooden, is indeed a blessing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Jannie Stone Gooden; and brothers, Jim Gooden (Beulah), Bennie S. Gooden, Sr. (Addie); and Eugene Gooden (Evelyn). He leaves to cherish his memory: son, JoMichael Joseph (Earl Joseph) Gooden; grandson, Joseph Earl Leaman Gooden; brother, Joseph A. Gooden (Claudia); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksdale. Viewing and Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the same day.
