by Dr. William Goold, Emeritus Professor of Church Music
Thelma Marie Goold passed March 17, 2015. She was born in Lakeview, Michigan, to the late Virgil and Doris Eldred. A sister, Marcenia Eldred Sumner, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, William C. Goold and sons, Mark William Goold (Evelyn Ho) and Sean Matthew Goold (Heather). She is remembered as a faithful, supportive wife and generous, loving mother. With degrees from Vennard College, Western Michigan University, and the University of Kentucky. For thirty-seven years she served with distinction as Professor of Social Work at Asbury University, Wilmore, KY. As Chair, she pursued and completed necessary departmental self-study requirements for Departmental Certification by National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Thelma was a member of National Association of Christians in Social Work and American Association of Christian Counselors. Christ was her passion; people were her focused ministry. Numerous social work graduates of Asbury University confirm her commitment to vital, effective classroom teaching and her personal interest in her students. For many years she led married couples in a structured Marriage Enrichment experience. She, with husband Bill, led over 400 engaged couples through Engaged Discovery Weekend. For 27 years she served as a member of the Board of Trustees of OMS International, Greenwood, IN. Humble and modest in demeanor, she was gifted and graced with insight, wisdom, and a rapport which was often directed towards persons at the margins of life.
Please feel free to leave a tribute to Thelma or a blessing to Dr. Goold below.
Thelma was my “roomie” at our many One Mission Society Board Meetings. She was an awesome servant, compassionate, level-headed and insightful. She brought much wisdom into our board decisions. She was my husband’s (Rurel Ausley) professor during our college days and a lady above ladies. I am proud to have called her my friend and mentor.
Dr. Bill, we are praying for you and your family in this season of loss. What a Kingdom impact! What a legacy!
I was so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. I will always remember her classes I took as a student at Asbury. I also got to know her through the Broken Homes Fellowship and will always remember the Thanksgiving I spent with her and her family in Michigan. She was a mentor, counselor, professor and friend.
Although I didn’t know her well, I always felt that she truly cared about everyone she met, including me. Her face lit up the whole room. Surely she is in Heaven singing “Hallelujah” to our Lord. Please accept my sincere sympathy to her family. She will truly be missed.
Bill, my heart goes out to you and your sons — I’m so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. I fondly remember her grace and graciousness. Please know that we are asking God to bring a double portion of His comfort to you during this difficult time.
What a saint! Will be sorely missed!
Dear Dr. Gould, I am sure that Thelma impacted many lives in her teaching ministry and so did you. I will never forget the care and concern you gave to me in choir class 26 years ago when my mother died on Easter Eve in 1989. I was feeling very alone in a strange land away from home, but you made me feel that I was among family who cared. May God provide you with comforters this day. Lawrence Browmn ’89
Thelma’s homegoing brings many blessed memories that date back to when we were in school together at Vennard College. Our prayers and love are with you, Bill.
I feel so blessed to have known Thelma, have her as teacher, and to have her and Bill help me in my marriage with their engagement retreat. We have truly lost a very loving person here on earth.
Bill…I am so sorry to learn of your wife’s passing. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Dear Bill,
It was with heartwarming sadness that I received the news from my brother Mel that Thelma had passed away. I remember her with fondness from my days in the Social Work program at Asbury. Please know that she, and you, are a blessing in my life and I am thankful to God that I was able to share a few short years with you both at Asbury. God bless you and comfort you.
In His Love,
Rick Noah
Dear Dr Goold. Kiem and I send our heart-felt condolences. May the Lord comfort you and your family in your time of loss!
Bill, Tom and I are just seeing this. We are so sorry for your loss of Thelma. Missing her here on earth, but know she is rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour. Of course, my mind flits back to Vennard days and the friendships I made while there….Thelma being one of them. As several have described her, a quiet demeanor, I can’t help but remember the laughter and fun we shared. Bless her for the impact she has obviously had on so many in serving and caring deeply for many people.
Our love to you Bill.