Lena Sim Goodnight
Beloved Lena Sim Goodnight passed away at home surrounded by family on January 29, 2023.
She was born on August 26, 1934, to parents Sim and Jerdie Finch at the family home on Rockhill Road, outside of Grapeland, Texas. After graduating from Grapeland High School in 1952, she married Morris Elton Goodnight on August 18, 1952. Although they traveled and lived in several states while Mr. Goodnight was in the Army, they settled in the Grapeland area. They were blessed with three children, James Elton, Edward Paul and Staca Lynn. She dedicated her life to her family and is known for her large family holiday gatherings filled with lots of love, laughter and story-telling.
Lena was predeceased by her parents, husband, and siblings Ruby, Troy, Roland, Estelle, Willard, Horace, and an infant sister. She is survived by son James and Kara Goodnight of Plano, Texas, son Paul and Doris Goodnight, and daughter Staca and Farrell Dancer, all of Grapeland, Texas. Known by many as “Nana,” she is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Angela (Nik) Mohn, Leslie Goodnight, Waylon (Brittany) Goodnight, Ivey Goodnight, Sim Goodnight, Kelsey Dancer, and Jordan (Mindy) Dancer, as well as great-grandchildren Lane (Carson) Stovall, Kellie Stovall, Westin Goodnight, Kenzie Harmon, Hazely and Corbin Goodnight, Briley and Cason Dancer. She recently became a great-great-grandmother to Lane and Carson Stovall’s son, Carter.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Bailey & Foster Funeral Home in Grapeland. Services in celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in the Bailey & Foster Chapel in Grapeland with Brother Randy Shipman presiding. Graveside services will follow at the family cemetery, Parker Cemetery, outside of Grapeland. All who loved and knew her are welcome to attend.
Donations can be made in her memory to Grapeland First Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.
