Deborah Ellis Goddin Obituary

Deborah Ellis Goddin, known affectionately as Debbe, passed away on May 15, 2024, at the age of 74 in her home in Poquoson, Virginia, with her family at her side, after a prolonged illness. Her loss is a blow to the family for whom she was the lynchpin and to the many friends she made in Poquoson, where she attended Tabernacle Methodist Church her whole life and worked at Poquoson High School for 36 years. Debbe was someone that embodied the phrase "full of life" more than most, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by her larger-than-life energy and warmth.

Debbe was born on February 15, 1950, and grew up in Poquoson, Virginia, where she was one of two daughters born to Burnette Topping Ellis and Paul Parker Ellis. Debbe has an older sister, Patti Ellis Whitman, with whom she was very close to her entire life. Her father Paul also owned a small business repairing outboard motors called Poquoson Marine, and Patti, Debbe, had many adventures on the Back River of the Chesapeake Bay, clamming, fishing, and crabbing.

As a young girl, Debbe was a bit of a tomboy, but she blossomed into a rare beauty during her high school years. She was popular but kind, excelling in classes and extracurricular activities. She was a cheerleader and was voted Ms. Poquoson in the local beauty pageant. Her journey continued at James Madison University and Christopher Newport College, where she met her future husband, Gustavus Adolphus Goddin III, whom everyone calls G.A.

After college, Debbe and G.A. married, and together they raised four children: Christopher Adolphus, Paul Parker, Gustavus Adolphus IV, and Robert Ellis. Debbe's nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family; she was adored by her English students at Poquoson High School, where she imparted her love for classic literature and correct grammar and inspired others to see the beauty in works like Wuthering Heights and Rebecca. She received many accolades while a teacher at PHS which included the teacher of the year in 2005 and The Order of the Bull-pin. While teaching in Poquoson she took night classes towards and eventually received a Masters Degree in Education, using these credentials to teach English at the college level at Thomas Nelson Community College. She retired from teaching at the high school in 2009 but continued working at Thomas Nelson for a number of additional years. By then her children had left home and had started having grandchildren.

In retirement, Debbe and G.A. traveled extensively, and were loving companions to one another. You rarely saw one without the other in tow or close. They cherished time with friends and family, especially their grandchildren. Despite these challenges, Debbe remained active and vibrant until the last few months, and G.A. remained steadfast by her side. In her final days in hospice, he refused to leave her bedside, holding her hand along with her sons who rotated in and out. She left this world peacefully and in no pain, putting up a courageous fight until the very end.

Her vivacious personality, thoughtfulness, and fierce loyalty endeared her to those she met. She was loyal, making friends that lasted the length of her life like Vicki Diggs, who lived next door to her for many years. She wasn't afraid to support those she loved, either. Harm or threaten her family at your peril. Debbe was the glue that held her family together, celebrating every birthday, graduation, and many smaller milestones with thoughtful gifts. She brought chocolates and other small gifts to all of her appointments and shopping adventures. Excursions with her to the Patrick Henry Mall would see her warmly greeted in all of her favorite stores: JC Penney, Bath and Body, Dairy Queen, and the Louis Vuitton section of Macy's. In each spot and many others, she would leave small gift bags.

Debbe is survived by her husband, G.A., her children Chris, Paul, Gus, and Bob; Chris's wife Mindy and their two sons Marcel and Connor, Gus's wife Kate and their two daughters Beth and Charlotte, and Bob's wife Melissa and their son Parker. Her loss will leave a void that her loved ones will forever feel.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Claytor Rollins Funeral Home (836 Poquoson Ave, Poquoson, VA 23662). A celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church (831 Poquoson Ave, Poquoson, VA 23662).

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 831 Poquoson, VA 23662.