Betty Ann Goodall

Betty Ann Goodall passed away April 9, 2024 in Gallatin, Tennessee.  She was 90 years old.  Betty Ann was a light to her family, her many friends and her community.  Born to Mayor Isaac Perkins Yancey and Laura Garnett Drake Yancey, she was raised in Somerville, Tennessee alongside her brother, Billy Perkins Yancey (deceased).  She graduated from Fayette County High School in 1951 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from Vanderbilt University in 1955.  She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.   While at Vanderbilt, she was named to the Vanderbilt Homecoming Court and was a campus beauty.  It was there she met the love of her life, Robert Harden Goodall, with whom she enjoyed a loving marriage for 68 years.  They were married on June 12, 1955 in Somerville, Tennessee.  She taught English in Washington State while her husband was stationed with the U.S. Army.   Later, they would return to Sumner County and settle.  There, she taught English in the Nashville city and Sumner County secondary schools.   She worked in her husband’s law office as a legal secretary and transitioned to working with both her husband and her son, building homes for first-time homebuyers in Sumner County, Tennessee.  

Betty Ann savored life’s joys to the fullest, enjoying bridge, gardening, landscaping, entertaining, traveling the world with family, reading and collecting antiques.  Her pride and joy were her family members.  Betty Ann and Bobby had two children: Laura Goodall Niewold (Charlie) and Robert (Bob) Harden Goodall, Jr. (Karen) of whom she was so proud.  She and Robert spent over 36 winters in Naples, Florida in the company of dear friends, many of whom are former Vanderbilt classmates.  

Betty Ann was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gallatin where she served as past Sunday school teacher and board member.  She was a member and former president of Gallatin Women’s study club and former Regent of Colonel Jethro Sumner Chapter NSDAR. In Nashville, she was a member of The Centennial Club, James Robertson Chapter NSDAR, and the Nashville Chapter of Colonial Dames of America. She enjoyed her membership at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida, and the Club at Tennessee Grasslands in Gallatin.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Harden Goodall; children: daughter, Laura Yancey Goodall Niewold (Charlie); son, Robert (Bob) Harden Goodall, Jr. (Karen); grandchildren: Hillary Goodall Bonham (Griffin); Ann Ralls Niewold Brown (Jerrod); and William Thomas Goodall III.  She was especially proud of her great-grandchildren: Fiona and Graham Bonham; Laura and Timms Brown.  She is also survived by her cherished nieces and nephews Adam Drake Yancey (Laura); Katherine Goodall Crosthwaite (Keith); David Christian Goodall (Linell); Lee Goodall Abernathy (Jon); Robbie Goodall Boman (Harold).

We will celebrate the life of Betty Ann on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Gallatin, Tennessee.  Thereafter, there will be a private burial at 2:00 p.m.  All are invited to a reception celebrating the life of Betty Ann Goodall from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Foxland Event Center, 1445 Foxland Boulevard, Gallatin, Tennessee.  Doors open at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Fairvue Plantation Ladies’ Historical Society, care of Anita Schadt, treasurer, 1062 Isaac Franklin Drive, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066.   

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements. (615) 502-0011