The Bedford Bulletin - Bedford, VA
Wednesday, 01 Oct 2003

Erma S. Goodman, 89, Bedford

Erma Lavella Slusher Goodman, age 89, of Bedford, departed on her final "trip" on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003. She was born in Botetourt County on April 12, 1914, the sixth of eleven children of the late Francis L. Slusher and Susan Conner Slusher.

Mrs. Goodman was an avid reader and loved to travel, having visited forty-nine of the fifty states and Canada. She lived for awhile in the building known as the Old Brugh Tavern, now relocated in Explorer Park. On Oct. 7, 1933 she married E. Herman "Chick" Goodman and they were together 51 years until his death on Oct. 8, 1984. She was employed at Hampton Looms until its closing in 1971, and was a member of the Bedford Christian Church for over 60 years.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three infant siblings; four adult brothers, Everette C. Slusher, Murphy K. "Mutt" Slusher, Curtis G. "Jeff" Slusher, Roy L. Slusher; three sisters, Doris S. Parrish, Estelle S. Spradlin, and O. Janette Slusher; and a special nephew, George W. "Skip" Goodman.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Charles Goodman and his wife, Betty, Bedford; a sister-in-law, Margaret L. Slusher; five nieces, three nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews; also three dear friends.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003 at the Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with the Rev. William Whitehurst officiating. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family suggests those wishing to make memorials please consider the Bedford Christian Church Building Fund, 305 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523 or Hunters for the Hungry, P.O. Box 304, Big Island, VA 24526.