Fern (Ely) Goodwin

Fern Ely Goodwin, age 70, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, in Forest City, NC.

Fern was born on August 22, 1951, in Delaware Co., Pennsylvania to the late Russell Davies Ely and Florence Mariana Copp Ely. She worked as a home health aide in the Buncombe County area of NC and attended The Rock Church in Candler, NC.

Fern loved animals and enjoyed picking the fall leaves and collecting unique rocks. She was a talented artist who could write and draw beautifully. Fern was stubbornly optimistic even in the face of adversity. She always knew things would get better and was hopeful. Fern demonstrated great courage and strength. Most of all, she loved her family dearly and will be missed deeply.

In addition to her parents, Fern was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Ely.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Will Goodwin, of Weaverville, NC;  two daughters, Althea (Brian Stanford) Wilkins of Asheville and Chloe Nossiter of Leesburg, GA; a son, Russell Goodwin of Old Fort, NC; two grandsons, Corin Nossiter of Arden, NC and Galen Prevost of Leesburg, GA; a granddaughter, Kira Prevost of Leesburg, GA; two sisters, Donna (Joe) Harkins of Louisiana, and Dawn Huser of Shelby, NC; and her sweet long-haired Persian rescue cat, Missy.

Fern’s family  and friends celebrated Fern’s life while she was still living and could be in attendance, on December 4, 2021. She loved being with her family and friends and the memories made that day will be forever cherished.

The family respectfully requests that any memorial contributions be made to the homeless shelter of your choosing.

Online condolences may be left at: www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Goodwin family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fern (Ely) Goodwin, please visit our floral store.