Obituary - Emily Florence Gunn Goolsby

Emily Florence (Flo) Gunn Goolsby, 95, departed this life Thursday, March 16, 2023 surrounded by her family at her residence, Our Lady of Hope in Short Pump, after several respiratory complications.

She was born January 29, 1928, in Clay Bank, Gloucester, Virginia to George W. and Emma Rilee Gunn. As many families suffered during the Depression, she was fortunate to be given the opportunity to grow up in Richmond in the care of foster parents, Dr. James Patrick (Doc) and Julia McDonough, while maintaining contact with her family. Flo was married to her husband of 42 years, Paul Carter Goolsby, Sr. and had 4 children. As a homemaker she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, arts & crafts and spending time with her Bingo buddies. For 10 years she served the community as a School Crossing Guard with the Henrico County Police.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband and 4 siblings. Flo is survived by her loving family which includes 4 children, Sandra Phillips, Patricia (Paul) Patten, Carter (Judith) Goolsby and Brian (Julie) Goolsby; 11 grandchildren, Amy (Tim) Daniels, Scott Patten, Michael (Jamie) Patten, Megan (Brian) Hines, Stuart Phillips, David (Alice) Phillips, Alex (Hannah) Goolsby, Rachel (Chris) Carson, Michael (Katie) Goolsby, Emily Goolsby, Tanner Goolsby; 8 great grandchildren, Scarlett, Ellie, Olive, Levi, Jane, Teddy, Kennedy and a baby boy due in July; also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Flo was cared for by the loving staff at Our Lady of Hope and her buddy, Rose Marie Carmine for the last 2 years. The family is grateful for their love and compassion shown in Flo’s last few weeks of life, along with the nurses and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital.

A Funeral Service will be held at Woody Funeral Home - Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to the Visitation immediately before the service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.