Gwendolyn Rose Vincent Goddard, affectionately known as GG by her family, passed peacefully into heaven on August 19, 2025, in Ooltewah, Tennessee, at the age of 81. She fought a courageous five-and-a-half-year battle with Parkinson's Disease and her battle with breast cancer several years prior.
Gwen was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was born on September 23, 1943, in Jacksboro, Tennessee, and was preceded in death by her loving parents, Astor and Johnnie Rose Vincent, and her brother, Radford Vincent.
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 60 years, Lee Goddard; her daughter, Kim Mitchell; son-in-law, Brian Mitchell; two cherished grandchildren, Evan and Lydia Mitchell; and her granddaughter-in-law, Jaycee Mitchell.
Gwen grew up in Jacksboro and graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1961. After high school, her family relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they settled in the Karns community. Gwen went on to attend Tennessee Wesleyan College and Knox Business School, eventually launching a long career at Union Carbide in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She remained with the company as it transitioned into Martin Marietta and later Lockheed Martin, retiring after more than 30 years of service in the procurement office. Gwen was a dedicated and respected professional who also made many dear, lifelong friends throughout her career.
More than anything, Gwen was a devoted and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She and Lee made frequent road trips to Arizona to spend time with their grandchildren when they were young. Along the way, they visited numerous National Parks, building countless beautiful memories together. Gwen especially loved being part of whatever her grandchildren enjoyed from beach trips and Disney adventures to gold mining and museum visits.
She and Lee rarely missed a milestone. They faithfully attended dance recitals, soccer games, cheerleading events, football games, basketball tournaments, violin recitals, and band concerts. Gwen was incredibly proud to witness both Evan and Lydia graduate from high school. Even as she battled dementia in her later years, she never forgot the family she loved so deeply.
Gwen's life will be honored at a Celebration of Life and Graveside Service on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
Gwen's legacy is one of unwavering love, strength, and joyful devotion to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.