Linda Jo Goodman

Linda Jo Goodman, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 78. Born on May 18, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, she grew up in a loving household, the daughter of Robert Lee Thomas Sr. and Mary Margaret Cornutt, affectionately known as "Granny Babe." Not quite the oldest child, but you never could tell her that.

Linda Jo attended Abilene High School and later pursued classes at Tarrant County Junior College. She later earned a Printing Press Repair Certification from Multi-Graphics. Her career began at Timex Watches in Abilene, after which she moved to Fort Worth, working in various roles before finding her true calling at Multi-Graphics. Linda Jo was known for the unwavering dedication and determination she brought to her work. Working in a predominantly male industry, she refused to back down and took pride in everything she accomplished, including servicing multiple corporate contracts such as American Airlines.

A long-time member of the Mid Cities Bass Club, Linda held multiple offices and engaged deeply with her fellow members. She was also a cherished member of the Irving Baptist Fellowship, where she devoted herself to teaching Sunday school and supporting various church initiatives, including fulfilling the role of Camp Director for Girls in Action (GA Camp) for several years. Linda Jo found immense joy in singing with the church choir, sharing her love of music with others. Linda Jo loved her Jesus and spent her life in service to Him and helping others in any way she could.

On March 30, 1985, Linda Jo married Bobby Goodman, forging a bond that would endure through the years. Linda Jo had a remarkable talent for fishing and spent countless weekends participating in bass tournaments, often out-fishing not only her husband but many of the other competitors, much to their dismay. Almost nothing gave her more joy than bringing in the biggest fish of the day.

Linda Jo is survived by her sons Kenneth David Cleveland, Sr., Michael Goodman and wife Susan, Robert L. Goodman and wife Mary Lou; Daughter Amanda Felts; her sisters Lisa Marie Griffith and Carolyn Gay Hill; her brother James Edward Thomas and wife Jo Ellen; her sisters-in-law Betty Key, Sandra Goodman, and Billie Pickerill and husband Ralph, her grandchildren Amanda Spence and husband Peter, Kent Cleveland, Brandon Cleveland, Jordan Cleveland and wife Morgan, Tanner Cleveland and wife Haven, Kaitlinda Cleveland and Bobby Cunningham, Skyler Cleveland, Jennifer Felts, Tiffany Felts, Lauren Mitchell and husband Derek, Walker Goodman and wife Megan, Emily Goodman, Robyn Goodman, Krystyna Kell and husband Roger, Robert Goodman II and wife Kate; along with her great-grandchildren Brooklyn Cleveland, Caleb Wallace, Trey Cleveland, Quinn Spence, Leighton Cleveland, Emory Cleveland, Lexi Cleveland, Taylor Cleveland, Tracen Cleveland, Joshua Goodman, Deacon Felts, Robin Kell, Madison Mitchell, and Landon Mitchell. She is also remembered fondly by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will carry her spirit in their hearts.

Linda Jo is preceded in death by her father Robert Lee Thomas Sr., her mother Mary Margaret Cornutt, her daughter Deana Gay Cleveland, her husband Bobby Goodman, her brother Bobby Thomas, her nephew Robert Lee Thomas III, and her brother-in-law Bruce Griffith Sr., along with her nephew Kevin Griffith.

A visitation in honor of Linda Jo will take place on March 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chism-Smith Funeral Home, located at 403 South Britain Road, Irving, Texas. The following day, a funeral service will be held at Irving Baptist Fellowship at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Poe Prairie Cemetery in Millsap, Texas, at 1:30 PM.

Linda Jo Goodman leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication to family and community that will inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.