Tabitha Goggins, affectionately known by so many as “Mother," peacefully departed this life on February 1, 2024, at the age of 105. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 9, 1918, to William Topp and Julia (Lewis) Topp, Tabitha was the second oldest of five siblings: three sisters, Clara, Kathreyn, Virginia and one brother, William. Mother Goggins’ strength and optimistic spirit were forged at a young age as her family not only survived but thrived during periods like The Great Depression, World War II and Segregation.

Growing up, Tabitha attended Sumner High School, a pioneering institution for Black American students west of the Mississippi River. At the age of 19, she married William Allen Turner, and from their union, welcomed two sons, Allen Turner Jr. and Harold Turner, into the world. Despite enduring the tragic loss of her youngest son, Harold, and her first husband, William, Tabitha drew strength from her unwavering faith in God. In 1954, she relocated to Boston with her son Allen,and it was there where she met and married, John Herbert Brown. The two became members of The First Church of God in Boston, where they served in various capacities for many years.

Several years after the passing of Bro. Brown, Tabitha found love again with Douglas Goggins of Buffalo, NY. The two attended the Church of God in Buffalo for fourteen years, until Douglas’ passing. Following his transition, Tabitha returned to Boston where she became deeply involved in the public school system, strengthening youth literacy, and advocating for elderly services. Because of her immense contributions, she received special recognition from Mayors Menino and Wu during their tenure. Although she was very active in the community, nothing exceeded her love and passion for her home church, Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where she was a dedicated member for 32 years.

Mother Goggins had an insatiable desire for continuous growth and learning. As a seasoned traveler, she embarked on several adventures around the world, visiting countries from Kenya and Ghana to Switzerland and Israel. Having a son and daughter-in-law, who were missionaries to the island of St. Kitts, she visited them on numerous occasions. Despite her advancing age, Tabitha continued teaching until the remarkable age of 90. Also in her 90’s, she showcased her creative talents by writing a church cantata. At the impressive age of 103, she executive produced a gospel album along with her great-grandaughter, Chantel. Tabitha's diverse interests, included civic engagement, photography, piano playing, songwriting, singing hymns, gardening, fashion, hat collecting, playing board games, knitting, reading the bible, fitness, juicing, and baking blueberry pies, all underscoring her appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Throughout her life, Tabitha faced great adversity, from navigating the era of Jim Crow to overcoming instances of domestic violence. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith, finding solace in God's presence. Her resilience and enduring optimism inspired all who knew her, irrespective of age, race, or creed. She served as a living testimony of ministry, empathy and longevity. As Tabitha rejoices in God's eternal embrace, her legacy lives on, and will forever be cherished by her family and all those touched by her tenacity and timeless grace.

Tabitha is survived by her daughter-in-law, Clovis Turner, her grandchildren, Allen(Carmelita)Turner, India(LeRoix)Hampton, Joy(Joel)Trout, her great-grandchildren, Honara' Turner, Chantel Hampton, Casondra(Roger) Liwanga, Ernest Hill Jr., Sinoa Johnson-Hill, Jonathon Hill, Shania Hampton, five great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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