Mary Ronella Holmes Goad, age 90, of Mount Airy, left her earthly home to claim her Victory in Christ on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Ronella was born in Surry County on June 17, 1924, to the late Thelma Dobie and John William Holmes. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David Clarence Goad, to whom she was married for 55 years. She is survived by two cherished daughters, Mary Ellen Goad, of the home, and Debbie Goad Benge (Ricky), of Mount Airy. She also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Katie Benge McCrary (Josh) and James David Benge, all of Mount Airy, one precious great-granddaughter, Adalyn Elizabeth McCrary and an expected great-granddaughter, Sadie Caroline McCrary due in July. She is also survived by one brother and sisters-in-law, Dobie Robert and Mary Frances Holmes of Silver Spring, MD, Helen Holmes of Charlotte, Barbara Holmes of Kansas City, MO, Sue Holmes of Pleasantville, NY, and many well-loved nieces and nephews. Ronella was also preceded in death by three brothers, John William Holmes, Jr., George Milton Holmes, and James Houghton Holmes. Ronella was a spirited, much-loved woman, who, despite experiencing many years of declining health, was a tremendous inspiration to all who knew her. She had an abiding faith in God and His promises, always looking ahead and never looking back. She loved her church, as she did Flat Rock Presbyterian Church, which she grew up attending. She was employed for many years at Cockerham's Flowers and Gifts and Northwestern Bank in Mount Airy. Many patrons looked forward to the days they did their shopping and banking, simply because of her warm, sunny, and friendly smile and her winning customer service ways. Even in her later years, visitors with thoughts of bringing her cheer, came away instead, themselves inspired by Ronella's optimism and positive attitude. Special thanks go to the various care-givers and nurses who assisted Ronella in her homebound years, especially Jamie Birks, Mariah Hughes, and Greg Booker. Her family would like to express much appreciation to the lovely employees of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, particularly Penny Culler, Allison Atkins, and Emily Caesar, and Central Continuing Care, who made the final steps of her journey much easier. Visitation for Ronella Goad will take place on Friday, April 17 at 12:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Airy, NC, followed by a service of love and remembrance at 2:00 PM, conducted by Reverend Griff Gatewood, and Reverend Rob Evans. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1286, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030. Moody Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.