Darlene Goggins

Perhaps it was a warm day on April 26, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland when SHANDRIA DARLENE COTTRELL-GOGGINS was born to the late Robert and Agnes Cottrell. It was a cold and sunny morning on December 11, 2013 at her home when she quietly slipped away and went home to be with God. Darlene, as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools. After graduating from Edmondson High School in 1969, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Coppin State College. She later earned a Master’s Equivalence in Special Education. After graduating from college in 1974, she taught at Crownsville State Hospital. In the fall of 1975, she began teaching Special Education for the Baltimore City Public School System. Darlene loved all of the children she taught and found great joy when she would by chance, see them in passing, all grown up with children of their own. After 38 years of teaching, she finally retired in June, 2012. Darlene met the love of her life, Thomas Earl Goggins, when she attended Coppin State College. After many years of knowing each other, the two started dating after seeing each other on a ski trip. Over the years, they traveled both far and near with friends and relatives. She was united in marriage with Thomas on May 25, 2007. Darlene loved reading and shopping. Wherever there was a sale, she was there. Her family would often joke that she was so good at finding a deal that she could just about get things free. Darlene was an easy-going and kind-spirited person. She offered a warm smile and a kind word to everyone she knew. She had a genuine concern for others and often gave to multiple charities. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Darlene leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: her husband, Thomas; her brother, B. Carnell Cottrell; her sister, Andrea Cottrell; her nieces, Tomika (Marlon) Bates and Danielle Lott; her nephew, Perryn Braswell; her great-nephew, Corliss Bates; her great-nieces, Toni Bates and Madison Neally; her aunt, Lillie (Robert) Kearney; her cousins, Sonia and Zuri Kearney; her step-children, Kimberly Goggins, Jeanette (James) Royster, Betty Hines, Thomas “Darryl” Goggins, Andre Brown, Kim (Larry) Gaines and Rodney (Tracey) Goggins; her godson, Sean Tilley; her dear friends, Priscilla Tilley-Nelson and Florine Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Darlene Goggins

April 26, 1951 - December 11, 2013