Jean Stacy-Goddard

The beautiful life story of Jean Stacy-Goddard began on August 4, 1939 when she was born in Lex, West Virginia to Ruben and Sallie Sweeney (who preceded her in death). She joined a large family of siblings: Leonard, Hobert, Okey, Donnie, Olie, Bessie, Elmer and Willie (who each preceded her in death). She is survived by siblings Hubert, Bob and Judy.

Jean met and married Robert McKinley Woods in 1957 and later moved to Chicago. They landed jobs working at Brach’s Candy Company. To their union was added two children: Linda Jean Willis and Robert Dwayne Woods. (Husband Robert McKinley Woods preceded her in death.)

Later, as a young widower, she met and married Milton Stacy Junior. To that union was added her third child, Milton Terry Stacy. Jean was a stay-at-home Mom, but soon took on driving lessons and secured a job at Little Company of Mary Hospital where she worked for 22 years.

In life, Jean was a giver. You couldn’t go to her house without her demanding you take something home with you. She gave to many organizations, such as Paralyzed Veterans of America, Tupelo Children’s Home, Foreign missions and her beloved church. In fact, two days before she went to Heaven, she gave her tithe.

Jean was a much beloved grandmother, and her grandchildren dubbed her as their, “Gram Crackers”.  Gram Crackers was very much a hands-on grandparent, enjoying the laughter of children and the enjoyment of watching them grow. In the early days of Linda and Dan’s marriage, she fixed delicious dinners almost nightly for them for many years.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening and even belonged to a Lois Club but her heart truly belonged to The Lighthouse Church. At The Lighthouse Church of All Nations, she served first as a nursery worker, serving alongside Ginny England and Naomi Willis. She later became a Sunday School Teacher, working alongside Pastor Elizabeth Bacerott and mentoring her granddaughter Rachel Cole, who is now the Children’s Ministry Director at The Lighthouse Church. Because of the love of children throughout her lifetime, she studied to share the Word of God with them. Hundreds of children were touched by her love.

After being widowed a second time, Jean was always faithful and active with church, embracing her love of choirs, Gospel music, hymns and her studies of Revelation. She loved her monthly visits with the Lighthouse Nursing Home Ministry. And alongside the choir and her family, Jean had the opportunity to travel all over the world!

On a trip to Israel, she met and later married Pastor Bobby Goddard of the Northside Pentecostal Church. They spent their later years together until his passing in 2020.

Jean was truly a nail in a sure place, as a Legacy Member at The Lighthouse Church of All Nations for 46 years. With such a significant spiritual light from within and an infectious smile, she lived her life full of JOY as a Child of God! She will forever be remembered as “Miss Sunshine” because she brought that wonderful light to every place she went!

She leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Daughter Linda Willis (Bishop Dan), Sons Milton Terry Stacy (Partner Sue Rotello) and Robert Dwayne Woods (Marsha).

Stepchildren: Dyan Cayson, Rebecca Goddard-Frank (Rob), Rev. Tim Goddard (Marilyn)

Siblings: Judy Prisock (William), Bob Sweeney (Selma) and Hubert Sweeney (Louise). Sisters-in-law: Judy Sweeney as well as Josie Sweeney.

Grandchildren: Melody Williams (Bryant), Rachel Cole (Maurice), Holly Johnson (Neil), Chad Willis (Sylwia), Desiree, Lois, Nicholas, Matt, Jesse, Roberta, Justin, Jenna, Joshua, Ashley, Brian and Hannah.

Great-Grandchildren: Xavier, Liliani, Myelle, Anya, Aria, Anthony, Elijah, Klaudia, Kristian, Bethany and great great grandchild Adrian.

A host of nieces and nephews

May her legacy live on in us as we celebrate a life well-lived with JOY! Jean epitomizes, Luke 10:23 & 24: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear what you hear.”