Martha Irene Lee Goyette, 1924-1997The Rev. Martha Irene Lee Goyette was a true disciple of God and spent her life serving the Lord. The Rev. Goyette had a passion for life and had the ability to encourage and empower all those she came in contact with. She was very competent at reaching people, calming their fears, sharing their laughter and their pain. Always there to lend a helping hand, with a big smile and open loving arms. She was in every way a "people person." With carefully chosen words and actions, she comforted those in need. Born in rural Alabama, she found the Lord at an early age, joining the Methodist Church in her teens. Her leadership abilities became evident when she became an officer of the church youth group. She set a blazing pace through college (Auburn University). She held many positions with the Wesley Foundation, including the presidency, and was elected to the National Honor Fraternity for Methodist Students. She was married in 1946 and became a loving wife and mother of three children. From 1949-1961, the Rev. Goyette held many positions in the church and in public service. She was a key element in bringing the Tidewater, Virginia, area new and inventive programs, such as Vacation Bible Schools and children’s nursery operations. From 1961-1987, the Rev. Goyette continued her trailblazing efforts in the Williamsburg, Virginia, area. She held many offices such as president of the United Methodist Women. She helped to organize the Williamsburg area day care center, becoming the president and chairman of the board. She was active in all church functions and taught junior and senior Sunday school classes. God called Martha, as all her friends knew her, and she responded in her usual 110 percent way by entering Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. After years of study, hard work and hundreds of volunteer hours, she graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1984. From 1983-1990, the Rev. Goyette served as pastor in the Petersburg, Virginia, area, the Harrisonburg District and Stanley United Methodist Church. Failing health led to her retirement in 1990, leaving her beloved mountains, to live in Naples, Florida. She became involved with the Golden Gate United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, preaching on Communion Sundays and providing inspirational guidance. The Rev. Goyette passed away on August 31,1997, after an extended hospital stay. A memorial service was held at Golden Gate United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 7, 1997. Truly the kind of person we can only hope to aspire to. The Rev. Martha Irene Lee Goyette, with her kindness, grace, honesty, devotion, and her desire for all to know the joy of Christ, will never be forgotten. — E. L Goyette, III |