Leon Alfred Goodman

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,” and on this day, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, Leon Alfred Goodman, devoted husband, beloved father, endearing grandfather and faithful brother received the highest honor and the call of the faithful to join the Kingdom of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Leon was born June 3, 1946 to the late Mildred Goodman Yancey and Eddie Cuffee, Jr in Norfolk County, VA. He was later reared by Mildred and Nathaniel Yancey, Sr. He was the oldest of 11 children. He was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He was a proud Booker of the Class of 1964.

Leon gave his life to Christ at an early age and during his childhood years , he attended his family’s church, Gospel Light.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1965. After being honorably discharged, Sgt. Goodman returned to his home of Norfolk, VA.

As a civilian, Leon first worked as a Sheet Metal Mechanic for 24 years employed by Norfolk Aviation Depot. He then went on to work for Stihl Inc. and his final road of retirement ended after working at Marine Hydraulics International Ship Repair. One of his proudest moments while there, was when he had the opportunity to repair the USS Cole after the tragic bombing.

Leon enjoyed crabbing, fishing, tinkering on cars with his brothers-in-law, doing crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. He was a kind, gentle, quiet, generous and spiritual man who read the Bible religiously. He blessed countless people with his prayers and his knowledge of the Bible.

Leon became a loyal member of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk, where he was a Trustee, a member of the #3 Usher Board, sang in the #2 Choir and the Male Chorus, a dutiful member of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry and steadfast member of the Adult Leadership Sunday School Class and an intercessory prayer warrior. Leon was the proud recipient of a certificate of recognition as a Solid Rock Member of Mount Gilead.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 49 years, Maxine C. Goodman, his beloved daughter, De’Laine Goodman-Richardson (Kelsey) of Norfolk, VA; two grandsons, Brycen and Braylon Harper of Norfolk, VA, affectionately known as “PaPa’s boys;” siblings JoAnne Calton (Willie) of Dallas, TX, Patricia Adeniyi (Olayinka) of Evansville, IN, Nathaniel Yancy, Jr. (Venessa) of Chesapeake, VA, Anita Brown (William) of Chesapeake, VA, Raymond Minton Cuffee (Cheryl) of Norfolk, VA, Selma A. Cuffee of Norfolk, VA, Brenda A. Burrus (Joe), of Norfolk, VA, Eddie Cuffee, III (Dana) of Portsmouth, VA., special niece Phyllis H. McFarland of Norfolk, VA, god-daughters Marletha Snowden Dyer, Essence Lee, Lavonnia Downey and Stephanie Cotman and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Eddie Cuffee, Jr., mother, Mildred A. Yancey, Daddy Nathaniel Yancy, Sr., grandmother Gertrude Goodman, sister Linda Diane Daughtery, and brother Edward B. Cuffee.

As soon as Leon’s feet strike Zion, he shall wear a crown. When the trumpet sounds, he shall wear a crown. As soon as his feet strike Zion, he will throw down his heavy burdens. He will put on his robe in glory and shout to tell his story. He will lie down beside the feet of Jesus and tell Him about all his troubles. And he shall wear a golden crown.