Today, we pay tribute to the memory of Victoria Futrell Goode, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was affectionately known as Aunt Tora. She loved her family and friends with all her heart and enriched the lives of all who knew her.
On April 25, 1927, in Potecasi, North Carolina, Victoria was born to Magnus and Virginia Vergie Bradley Futrell. She received her formal education at Potecasi Grade School and continued on to W. C. Creecy High School in Rich Square, North Carolina, where she graduated in 1945. Victoria was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Potecasi, where she quickly learned that the Lord knows her name.
On March 2, 1950, Victoria married the late Raymond Goode, of Seaboard, North Carolina. They were married for over 50 years, and were devoted to each other until his passing in 2003. Their union was blessed with 7 children: Diane, Eloise, Joyce, Raymond, Denise, Cynthia and Angela. The couple raised their family in Brooklyn, NY, where they met, after migrating from the south. They were surrounded by extended family and maintained their strong ties back home in North Carolina. Victoria joined Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York where she worshiped and fellowshipped for many years. One of her favorite church hymns was One Day at a Time (Sweet Jesus). Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:6, In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.
Throughout her life, Victoria was a housewife, but because of her love of children and her desire to be a teacher, she worked as a family daycare provider and also cared for her friends and neighbors’ children. Victoria was a woman of faith who had a big heart and would share whatever she had with anyone in need. She was always a caregiver, and in this way, she served her loved ones and close knit community of Clinton Hill /Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for many years. Even in her last days, she was more concerned about how her family was managing during the COVID 19 pandemic, while they were only concerned about her.
Victoria was the matriarch of the Goode family. Her values and principles have been permanently imprinted in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was an example of grace, dignity and kindness. Victoria always had a kind word for her friends and neighbors and those who needed it. Her timeless wisdom and loving words will always be with us. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
On Monday, April 6, 2020, Victoria exited this life and entered eternal rest. In addition to her parents, and beloved late husband Raymond, she joins her late sisters, Magnolia, Rosette and Henrietta and her brother Magnus. She also joins her great-grandson, Liam and great- great- grandson Messiah.
With her service on Earth now complete, Victoria leaves behind her children: Diane, Eloise, Joyce, Raymond, Denise (husband Patrick), Cynthia (husband Kelvin), Angela, and her dear niece Maudie, who loved her like a mother; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
