Barbara Goforth

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Barbara Kay Goforth, 74, of Jonesboro died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at Jonesboro Rehab and Care Center.

She was born Sept. 17, 1938, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Byron L. and Laura Maude Brookins Connell Sr. Kay and Charles W. Goforth were married May 26, 1957, in Mounds, Ill.

Kay is survived by her husband, Charles Goforth of Jonesboro; a son, Charles J. (Sherri) Goforth of Anna, Ill.; a daughter, Angela K. Goforth of Pontoon Beach, Ill.; six grandchildren, Blake, Brent and Brock Goforth and Taylor, Brady and Emily Battles; a brother, Jack B. (Cathy) Connell of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Vicky (R.J.) McKinney of Cape Girardeau; nieces and nephews; cousins, including Jeorge Ann Ambruster; an aunt, Evelyn Lockard; other relatives; and many friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Byron L. Connell II.

Kay was affectionately called "Miss Kay" by many of the children she taught at Sunday school and mission friends for 40 years. She was a member of Mounds Methodist Church in her youth, then later became a member of First Baptist Church in Thebes, Ill., later moving her membership to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro and then to Anna Heights Baptist Church.

Kay was a substitute postmaster for 14 years. She worked with mission groups and was a founding member of the Thebes Historical Society. She was an active leader of Girl Scouts and was a member of the Otahki Girl Scout Council. Kay was a member of Thebes Women's Club, Alexander County Home Extension and was active in supporting senior citizen programs. She was involved in the Ladies Golf Association at Union County Country Club.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, and from 9 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at Anna Heights Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Revs. Mark Roath and Mike Parry officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and Anna Heights Baptist Church.

To view this obituary and to leave an online condolence, please go to www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.