Joan Katherine Goforth

Joan Katherine Goforth, formerly of Rutherfordton, NC passed away peacefully at Grace Ridge Retirement Home in Morganton, NC on Saturday, July 11, 2020. She was born in Rutherfordton December 9, 1930 to the late Mary Summey and Morris G. Goforth. Joan was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church where she was active for many years.

She graduated from Greensboro College, received a master's degree from Duke University in English and math and studied Spanish one summer in Costa Rica. Joan was a short-term missionary with the Methodist Mission Board in Havana, Cuba and in Lima, Peru. After teaching Spanish at Gardner Webb University for several years, she taught at R.S. Central in Rutherfordton until she retired. During that time, she often took students on trips to Europe.

Prison ministry was very important and rewarding to her. She spent many years teaching Bible Study at the Women's Prison in Black Mountain, NC and later at the Men's Prison in Spindale, NC.

Joan is survived by her sister, Mary Lou McDaniel of Morganton, niece Kathy Hatcher (Trey), nephews Mac McDaniel (Janet), Tommy McDaniel (Judy) all of Morganton and nephew Ed McDaniel (Cindy) of Montreat, NC. Also surviving is a longtime friend, Allen Reynolds, and ten great nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at the Rutherfordton City Cemetery with her cousin, Reverend Jane Summey officiating assisted by family friend, Reverend Michael Jones.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Ridge Foundation Friendship Fund; 500 Lenoir Rd. Morganton, NC 28655 or to the charity of your choice. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

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