Mrs. Edna Marie Goins

In Loving Memory of Edna Marie Goins (née Marley)

June 13, 1922 – September 5, 2026

“Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again.”

For 104 extraordinary years, Edna Marie Goins (née Marley), affectionately known to all who loved her as “Mimi,” was the golden thread woven through the tapestry of our lives. Known and loved by so many, we announce her peaceful passing on September 5, 2026, with hearts full of gratitude, love, and deep sorrow. Mimi lived a full century as a true force of nature, unyielding, loving, and utterly unforgettable.

Born on June 13, 1922, Mimi grew up in a world vastly different from our own. As a child, she experienced the loss of her younger sister, Francis, who passed away at a young age. Mimi was later taken in by Ben’s family, who loved her as their own daughter. Living through more than ten decades, she stood witness to American history in the making. She survived the Great Depression and World War II, lived through the courage of the Civil Rights Movement and desegregation, and proudly cast her vote to elect President Barack Obama into the White House. Her life was a living testament to resilience, progress, and timeless dignity.

Mimi was a devoted homemaker who found beauty and simple joy in every corner of life. She had a creative soul and loved drawing and thrift shopping. Her home was often filled with the uplifting harmonies of her favorite gospel songs, the comforting gallop of classic Westerns, and the familiar laughter of The Golden Girls. She also had a famous sweet tooth and lived for a good piece of cake. It was often a challenge to get her to eat anything savory because she would much rather skip straight to the dessert. She never passed up a treat or the chance to share one along with her endless warmth and wisdom.

Mimi spent most of her life in Carthage, NC. She raised her daughters there in the very house that her husband, Benjamin “Ben” Goins, built with his own hands for their family. Beyond her home, Mimi had a lifelong love for dogs that stayed with her until her final days. Her last beloved companion was her dog Spartacus, who she affectionately called “Spot”.

Above all else, Mimi’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family and her faith. She is now reunited in eternal peace with Ben and her beloved daughter, Wanda Goins (and late husband Grant Robinson). She wore the badge of motherhood and grandmotherhood with immense pride and often chuckled at Dorothy’s famous line from The Golden Girls: “It is not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” She was the true anchor of our family and a guiding light whose spirit shaped generations. Those privileged to have had her in their lives know the rare blessing of being loved by a woman whose heart was open to everyone.

She leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy spanning six generations. Edna is survived by her loving daughter, Nancy Goins; her cherished grandchildren, Tara Goins, Wesley Goins (and wife Donisha Goins), Travis Goins as well as Mario Robinson; her dear great-grandchildren, Desiree Goins, Kadijah Goins, and Fantasia Robinson, Aryana Robinson, Camille Robinson, and Matthew Robinson; her great-great-grandchildren, Davinisha Goins, Dominic Goins, Carter Goins, Malia Goins, and Aria Goins; and her great-great-great-grandchild, Nylah Goins. Her legacy of love will continue to live on through each of them.

A service celebrating her exceptional life will be held at her home church, Mt. Olive AME Zion Church in Carthage, NC, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation beginning at 12:30 PM prior to the service.

Following the service, a repast will be held in the church fellowship hall to honor and remember her life together. Reverend Angela Davis and Reverend Fred Goins will be officiating.

May her sweet and beautiful soul rest in eternal peace and victory.

Online condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com.

Fry & Prickett is honored to serve the Goins family.