Obituary of Navalla Jo Johnson

Navalla Jo Goode was born on April 5, 1960 in Monroe, Michigan.  She was one of seven children born from the union of Joseph Goode and the late RuthAnn (Ivy) Evans.   She attended Monroe High School.

Navalla was blessed with the birth of three sons, whom she adored, and loved dearly.  In 1996, she would meet David Rice.   The couple soon become constant companions, enjoying life to the fullest together.

Navalla was fun-loving and a free-spirit.   For many years, she worked as a bartender for local establishments.   Navalla had a passion for country music and was the always the life of the party.   She enjoyed playing bingo and shooting pool in the Monroe County Women’s League for Annie’s Bar and Uptown Bar.  

Navalla was also an avid knitter and could often be found relaxing with her cat while watching “Golden Girls” on television.   More than anything, Navalla loved to cook, and her favorite pastime was preparing meals for her family.   Serving her family was one of the little things in life that always put a smile on her face.

Navalla Jo Johnson, age 58, of Monroe passed away at 5:15pm on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at The Oasis of Monroe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.   In addition to her mother her passing was preceded by a brother:  Richard Sharpe-Goode.

To cherish her memory, Navalla leaves her companion of the past twenty-three years: David Willard Rice of Monroe; three sons:  Gerry (Amber) Furlong, Michael Gessner, and Bill Gessner all of Monroe; her father:  Joseph (Judith) Goode of Tennessee; five sisters:  Joyce Goode of Monroe; Rhea Church of Monroe; Dawn Goode of Monroe; Gail Williamson of Jackson; Bardia (George) Harris of Texas; ten grandchildren:  Megan, Hannah, Thomas, James, Zachary, Dylan, Curtis, Jeremy, Gerald Jr., and Kayla; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 11:00 until a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Reverend Nate Clawson will officiate.   Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

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