Deborah (McCormick) Goad Obituary (1954

Deborah (McCormick) Goad, 67, passed away after a 9 month long battle with lung cancer and a lifetime addiction to Winston cigarettes. Debbie was born August 20th, 1954 to Kenneth and Edith (Fox) McCormick. Debbie worked for forty years at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee beginning her career as a LPN and retiring as the House Manager of the hospital. On the day of her death, her registered nursing license was still valid. She was immensely proud of this fact. Debbie had a self-deprecating humor and a talent for telling good stories, especially stories making fun of herself. She genuinely loved animals and spent small fortunes on their comfort and care. She was always generous towards anyone in need and never expected anything in return. For as long as anyone can remember, she never asked for any birthday or Christmas present except "Winstons and an oil change." When she elected to enter hospice care, she never once showed a moment's fear of her inevitable demise. Instead she directed, "When my time comes, shove popcorn in my mouth and Chinese rockets up my rear. Then send me to the crematorium." Debbie was preceded in death by Roger Goad, her husband of 46 years, her parents, and her brother Steven McCormick. She is survived by her only daughter Stacey Goad and son-in-law Graham Cawthon, brother Jerry and sister-in-law Sue McCormick, beloved nephew Frank McCormick, brother Harold and sister-in-law Kita McCormick, and many other loving family members and cherished friends. As previously stated, Debbie wished to be cremated. She requested no service, whatsoever. However, daughter Stacey plans to invite close friends and family members to a small memorial event. The date of this event will be announced closer to Debbie's birthday in August.