Melva Lee Gooding

Melva Lee Gooding, 93, of Havelock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A graveside service to honor Melva’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 3rd at Trenton Municipal Cemetery in Trenton, officiated by Rev. Rick Smith. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, November 2nd at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City.

“Mama, Granny, Gigi”, the matriarch of our family, has been called home. We find comfort knowing she went peacefully, surrounded by family — ready to meet her Maker and the loved ones who preceded her. Her deep faith carried her throughout her life, and it now carries her home.

Granny was a devout Christian, who lived out the Gospel through service, gentleness, and love. She nurtured, defended, and gave without hesitation.

Born on January 5, 1932, Melva was the eldest of seven siblings. She helped raise those younger than her and later raised three daughters of her own after the passing of her beloved husband, Willie “Jack” Griffin.

She was a hard worker with an inspiring work ethic — a farmer first, later entering the school system as a cafeteria aide and volunteer. She poured her creativity into every task, once sewing costumes for the entire majorette team at Jones Central High School and teaching Sunday School at her church. Melva wore many hats and gave freely of her time and talents — whether offering hair services, baking pies and cakes for friends and neighbors, or volunteering wherever she was needed.

For more than twenty years, she worked at the Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City, where her famous lemon pie earned a feature in Bon Appétit. After retirement, she continued to do what she loved — baking, cooking for her community, and caring for elders in need.

She brought family together around the table — always the last to eat and the first to serve. The heart of her home was her kitchen, and the heart of our family was always her.

Her home was a gathering place where sweet tea could be found in bottles and sippy cups alike. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandson were cherished and so very loved-each knowing they held a special place in her heart. She guided, listened, and lifted us — teaching us to love God and put Him first, a lesson that became the foundation of our family’s faith.

Melva found joy in her garden, comfort in her Bible, and her greatest happiness surrounded by her family.

We remember our matriarch for her unconditional love, faith, and good food.

Loved ones who carry her legacy include her daughters, Donna Griffin Goodman of Swansboro, NC, Ava Denise Jackson (Jerry) of Havelock, NC, and Jackie Johnson (Chris) of Havelock, NC; grandchildren, Jeremy Jackson (Sara) of Beaufort, NC, Danielle Banks Collins of Maysville, NC, Jerica Bell (Jon) of Morehead City, NC, Christopher Johnson (Savannah Avila) of Victoria, TX, and Griffin “Chaise” Johnson (Alyssa Williams) of Havelock, NC; great-grandchildren, Austin Ray Collins of Maysville, NC, Jacob Jackson and Jenna Jackson both of Beaufort, NC, Jackson Bell and Journey Bell, both of Morehead City, NC; great-great-grandchild, Carson Ray Collins of Maysville, NC; and her loving fur companions, Thorin—her “Pretty Boy”—along with Hannah and Noelle.

Melva was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nancy Spann; siblings, Erma Silence, Marion Spann, Lathan Spann, A.V. Spann, and Jimmy Spann; her first husband, Willie “Jack” Franklin Griffin; and her second husband, Edward “Jack” Gooding.

The family would like to thank her physicians as well as Carteret Health Care Home Health & Hospice and the Crystal Coast Hospice House for the wonderful care they provided. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her special caregiver, Jennifer Garner, who took exceptional care of Melva.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in memory of Melva to Carteret Health Care Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 1619, Morehead City, NC 28557 or the Crystal Coast Hospice House, P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.