Sharon Goolsby

Sharon Hess Goolsby passed away September 9, 2022, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, at the age of 76. She will be remembered for her faith, love of family, and dedicating her personal and professional life to helping others.

Sharon was born in 1946 to Don and Hilda Hess in Arapahoe, Nebraska. After graduating from Arapahoe High School, she moved to Omaha where she met and married her husband of 52 years, David, recently stationed there with the Air Force. Together, they had 2 children, Michael and Alyssa, and moved to Alabama near David’s hometown.

A military wife for over 20 years before moving to Spartanburg, Sharon accompanied David on postings in the US and South Pacific after spending 14 years in Auburn, Alabama. Her work included a variety of roles in educational and hospital administration with Auburn University School of Education, Mercy Hospital (Watertown, NY), St. Paul Lutheran Church (Leavenworth, KS), healthcare systems in Richmond, VA, and Washington, DC, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (Spartanburg, SC).

Sharon was a charter member with David of Joy Lutheran Church in Moore, SC. A lifelong reader and avid gardener, she was also a talented quilter and sewist and longtime volunteer for numerous children’s, educational, and religious groups. Her volunteer activities included guardian ad litem service, reading with underserved children, and teaching Sunday and vacation Bible school. She enjoyed neighborhood walks, being in nature, and spending time with family. Her compassion, strength, and dedication to others endeared her to her family, friends, colleagues, and church family, as did her wry wit and famous apple cake.

She is survived by her husband, David; her children, Michael (Amy) of Gulfport, MS, Alyssa (Rob Hunter) of Minneapolis, MN; former daughter in-law, Jodi Goolsby; and beloved granddaughter, Abigail Goolsby of Decatur, AL; and her sisters, Maralee Morris of Fort Collins, CO and Lynette Mott of Arvada, CO. She is also survived by her sisters in-law, Linda (Bill) Walker of Leroy, AL and Carol (Ray) Lewis of Helena, AL; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dean.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 17^th at Joy Lutheran Church, 3980 Moore Duncan Hwy, Moore, SC 29369.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s honor can be made to Joy Lutheran Church (address above) or Friends of the Library, c/o Spartanburg County Foundation, attn: Sharon Goolsby Memorial, 424 East Kennedy St, Spartanburg, SC 29302.