April 27, 1942 - July 1, 2013

ELKHART — May J. Goodman, 71, of Elkhart, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born April 27, 1942, in McKenzie, Tenn., to Oscar Bowden and Rebecca (Barhams) Neal.

Surviving are three daughters, Berlinda (David) Tunstell of Elkhart, Penny (Vincent) Hawkins of South Bend and Yolanda Barhams of Elkhart; five sisters, Mary Ann (George) Neal of Elkhart, Remmer Neal of Racine, Wis., Dale D. Woods of Elkhart, Kathleen Neal of Elkhart and Rebecca L. Neal of Osceola; two brothers, Stanley H. (Fannie Mae) Barhams of Osceola and Otis D. Jr. (Janice) Neal of Goshen; 13 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Hilliard Goodman Jr.; son T.C. Snell Barhams; daughter Shena Haskins; two sisters, Swayzine Williams and Alberta Barhams; stepfather Otis D. Neal; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.

May worked for several years as a domestic housekeeper and was also employed as a cook at local restaurants for many years.

She was a member of St. James AME Church.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the noon celebration of life service Saturday, July 6, at St. James A.M.E. Church, 122 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Elkhart. The Rev. Jennifer Tinsley will officiate. Cremation will follow at Altera Cremation Services.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

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