Obituary Laverne Goff

Order of Celebration SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022 - 11:00 AM New Antioch Church of God in Christ Officiant - Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sr. Processional Opening Prayer Evangelist Dr. Barbara Bean Old Testament Scripture District Missionary Dr. Eddye Rambo New Testament Scripture Missionary Debra Dorris Praise & Worship Dr. Holly Carter & New Antioch Praise Team Tributes, Memories & Expressions (2 min or less) Musical Selection NAC Music Ministry Resolutions, Cards & Acknowledgements Missionary Rosalyn Lee Obituary Aja Rose Johnson Musical Selection NAC Music Ministry Eulogy Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor Church Mother, New Antioch Church Recessional

Celebrating the Timeless Influence of a Godly Woman “I just want to be His vessel” were the spoken desires of her heart- stated with conviction and authenticity. She lived in the truth and her words were aligned with what she believed. Mr. Edward Goff and Ms. Norris Triplette could only imagine the remarkable impact their baby girl, Missionary Norris “LaVerne” Goff would have on those entrusted to her care. The legacy begins June 12, 1949, at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. While great thinkers gathered to fight oppressive laws and segregation in St. Louis, God would bless the earth with the birth of His maidservant. St. Louis would be her birthplace and the first chapter of an expanding family. In the early 1950s, Ms. Norris Triplette had a vision to start the journey west to California to raise her children and begin an adventure beyond the familiar borders of the Midwest. Ms. Triplette would be courageous and trust that California would be a fertile location for the success and well-being of her children. This mother’s intuition and leading were accurate and would be transformational for her daughter. Being reared in Mid-City Los Angeles would expose Missionary Goff to great possibilities and would launch her into a meaningful and fulfilling journey. Her adolescent years at Dorsey High School would be memorable and a period she reflected upon with laughter and childlike joy. Upon completion of High School in 1968 and beginning her young adult years- she described an incredible blessing, the birth of her son Demetris Shon Reed. She valued being his mother and would talk about her son “D” with elevated joy. God’s presence would be her guide, leading her towards opportunities that would establish her as a mother, influential professional, and a servant in His Kingdom. The beginning of her career would begin as a participant in the Los Angeles WIN (Work Incentive Program), an opportunity for single mothers to obtain vocational training and a college degree. Missionary Goff was one of the first students to complete this program- leading to the advancement of more specialized training and subsequently becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Despite her personal professional uncertainties, her mentors, colleagues, and the Chief Respiratory Therapist challenged her to fulfill her potential. Through grit and courage, Missionary Goff would endure the challenges and achieve significant success as she raised her son. She excelled through rigorous and competitive courses which expanded her reputation and influence. She was a mentor, clinical instructor at Santa Monica College, an exemplary respiratory therapist with patients who were in critical condition. Her colleagues described her career at UCLA Medical Center as “stellar.” Missionary Goff obtained her Associate of Arts Degree from Santa Monica College on June 18, 1987 and received many awards from the University of California- Los Angeles Medical Center, Santa Monica College, The Regents, and personal letters of gratitude from her patients. She valued her calling to extend medical care with compassion, love, and grace. During her young adult years, Missionary Goff was growing in her faith and love for Jesus Christ. She would reflect upon her amazing spiritual journey with assurance that in every season from Maranatha Church, Greater Page Temple, to Liberty COGIC, God was developing her into the woman He had called her to be. Throughout her spiritual journey, she would be certain that God had led her to New Antioch Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Late Bishop James A. Lewis and would be faithful under the leadership of his successor and son, Superintendent Jeffrey. M. Lewis. Missionary Goff maximized her gifts at New Antioch Church from the moment she joined until she was unable to serve in such capacities. The light of her love for Christ was blaring as an intercessory prayer leader, altar worker, member of the Mother’s Board, Prayer and Bible Band teacher, co- laborer on the NAC shut-in prayer ministry, member of the Christian Women’s Council, and Outreach ministry. On the jurisdictional level, she served General Supervisor Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis, Jurisdictional Supervisor Emerita as an exemplary armor bearer for many years. She was an Anna’s Daughter, served on the VIP Care Team, and Coordinator of Special Projects for the Department of Women. She humbly invested her love and presence in the lives of the young women, and she was consistent- a natural mother. She served God’s Kingdom well and God gave her the desire of her heart to be “His vessel.” She was a remarkable vessel indeed. The family and loved ones who preceded her from this life to eternity were her parents, Edward Goff and Norris Triplette; her sister, Sandra Louise Hawkins (Goff); and her dear friend Mother Bernice Ray (the great grandmother of her son). Missionary Norris Laverne Goff’s legacy and memory will continue through her precious son, Demetris Shon Reed; brother- Antonio Goff; niece- Carolyn Smith; great-nephew- Kevin Smith (wife-Susan Smith and daughter Berkeley Smith). She also leaves to cherish her dear extended family in Las Vegas, Nevada- Edwin Earl Reed (father of Demetris); and Mrs. Evie Turner (grandmother of Demetris). Rest well Missionary Goff and receive the rewards of your labor.

The family of Mother LaVerne Goff would like to convey a heartfelt message of gratitude and sincere appreciation for the kindness, love, support, prayers, cards, flowers and words of comfort. They will always be remembered and cherished. Services Entrusted to: Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary 3801 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305 Programs by: MACK ENTEPRISES UNLIMITED 323.789.6224