Marianne Jane Goodson

Marianne Jane Goodson passed away on February 13, 2025, in Newport News, Virginia resting peacefully at home in her comfortable “non La-Z-Boy recliner.”

Mom was born on August 21st in Hampton, Va. to her late parents Elmer Lee and Edith Bunting Goodson. She was raised in Poquoson, Virginia where she lived the majority of her life. There were stops along the way in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hialeah, Florida; Frankfurt, Germany; and Machipongo, Va. The latter part of her life was spent living in Newport News, Virginia. She was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson, where she received her first Bible and baptism.

Mom was a tomboy at heart, and was an active sports enthusiast as a young girl right up until her passing. She enjoyed fishing with her father, participated in softball, and was a majorette. Mom attended Poquoson and York County School Systems. She was also a youth cheerleading coach in Poquoson where she was instrumental in starting what is now known as competitive cheering. Mom was a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds and attended the all star game in Cincinnati in 1970. Mom passionately loved her maroon and gold; not just for her Poquoson Bulls, but also for her beloved Redskins. She loved nothing more than to goad David and Henry when her team won and their teams didn’t. Mom grew to be a strikingly beautiful woman with an adventurous spirit. She always made sure she dressed to the nines. In the recent months, we were donating some of her beautiful clothes; while we know that was hard she was happy to know that they were going to the battered women’s shelter, DAV and to the folks in hurricane ravaged North Carolina. After high school, she worked briefly at NASA’s blueprint room and then at the Newport News Shipyard. She later opened and operated a small antique shop, Islander Antiques, for many years. After the antique business, she became a partner in Acme Auto Parts in Newport News. Mom also did a stint at Marianne’s nail salon Elite Nails. Most of Mom’s time was spent as a homemaker, shuttling kids to sports practices, rehearsals, and voice lessons. Regardless of her kids’ activities, she was always involved and made sure to attend their events. Mom dedicated her life to, and made significant sacrifices for, her children. She ensured that, even during challenging times, her kids could always go on summer vacations to the mountains of Virginia or nearby areas. A hotel pool was always a bonus and the first stop on the itinerary. She recently expressed that if she could live her life over again, she’d make only minor changes. Mom was blessed with a very quick wit, and great sense of humor and wonderful lifelong friendships.

The love of Mom’s life, Sgt. Paul Adam Meyer, tragically lost his life in a plane crash while stationed overseas in 1969. For the past 50 years, Jane and her family have been diligently trying to unravel the mystery surrounding Paul’s plane crash, though the complete story remains untold. We have a strong belief that when Mom reached heaven, she and Paul had a long and meaningful conversation.     

Mom is survived by her children, David L. Brandt (Ellen), Henry W. Ayer III (Karen), and Marianne Ayer; grandchildren, David Brandt Jr., Jake Brandt, Halle Brandt; Hank Ayer (Kathryn), Sev Ayer (Lea), Olivia Leeming (Andy); Trevor Ayer, Halle Mette, and Danny Mette; Lindsey Noble (Corey) Joey & Hudson; Jena Gulledge, Evan Gulledge; and great-grandchildren Grayson Price, Hazel Price. She was preceded in death by brothers Elmer Goodson Jr., Keith Goodson; children Angie Gulledge and Herbie Gulledge; her grandson, Adam Price; her special aunt, Janie Spain; niece, Cindy Goodson; nephew Timmy Goodson, as well as many other loving family members and endearing friendships.

Our mother had an extraordinary passion for animals. There were always animals in and around her home from the time she was a young girl. There will be a long line of pets waiting for her at the rainbow bridge. She is also survived by her two furry companions, “her kitties”, Bonnie and Inky. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Poquoson Animal Welfare Sanctuary, P.O. Box 2204, Poquoson, VA 23662.    

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Monday, February 24th at 2 pm. Reception following at 3:30 at The Spot 757 at 501 Wythe Creek Road Suite 102. Please come hungry as we will be serving a few of Mom’s favorite things.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. 

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com. 

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