Jennifer L. Goffigan

JENNIFER LEE ARTHUR was born on July 3, 1946 and entered into glory suddenly on April 20, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Drucie Palmer Arthur; and was preceded in death by her sister, Drucie Angela Arthur. She accepted Christ at an early age and received her spiritual guidance under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Amanda Williams at Mount Calvary Holy Temple Church, where she was not only an active member, but also a Sunday school teacher, Treasurer, and member of the Board of Advisors. Jennifer regularly attended Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church at the time of her departure. Jennifer was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She graduated from Forest Park High School. As a teenager, she worked in her father’s restaurant “Rob’s Place” and his family owned/operated dry cleaning business. She was also a model for Travis Winkey for a short period of time. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Growth and Development and Master of Science in Public Administration from Sojourner Douglass College. Jennifer was a lifelong educator. She began her career assisting mentally challenged students. She was a community assistant with Mount Calvary under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Amanda Williams. She also worked as a nutritionist at the Mama Kay Stancil’s after school program. Jennifer later became a teacher’s aide at Bethel AME Christian School and transitioned into a teacher. While at Bethel, she was mentored, molded and guided by Bea Avery, Charlotte Perry and Lillian Jackson, who gave her the foundation of educating young minds. Jennifer later became an educator and administrator with the Baltimore City Public School System where she retired after thirty-two years of dedicated service in 2009. Two years after retirement, Jennifer was offered a position as Test Investigator for the Baltimore City Public School System. Jennifer met the love of her life, William Goffigan after dating for a few years; they were married thirty-eight years. Together through their mutual love of music, they formed Anig Records and Gina Publishing Co, Inc. Jennifer consistently supported her husband in all of his musical endeavors. Jennifer would say, “It was not the best of times, nor the worst of times, it was our time.” Jennifer and William shared a special bond; she was not only his best friend, she was his rock. They enjoyed traveling the world nationally and internationally. The two had the pleasure of touring a variety of places, such as Greece, Brazil, Australia, Turkey and Egypt, to name a few. Jennifer only traveled alone once without William to Alaska and vowed to never travel without William again. Jennifer was steadfast, independent and humorous. She was a faithful friend and neighbor who could cook, sew and cut hair. Her infectious laughter and distinct voice will be remembered by all. Jennifer was a strong community activist involved in numerous organizations, such as, HEBCAC (Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition), NAACP, Girl Scouts and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Most recently, she was active in The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Gamma Chapter, The Red Hatters Society, Baltimore Teachers Union and The National Reading Council. Jennifer’s humble spirit would leave an inedible impression on everyone she met. Her faithfulness to living a Godly life was a testament that she knew the grace of God and wanted to impart that grace and love toward others. Jennifer was a devoted wife and mother who dearly loved her family. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, William; her four children, Gina, Ralph, Carlos and devoted daughter, Willetta; three sisters, Shelia, Barbara and Gail; and brother, Robert; sister-in-law, Frances Goffigan-Saunders (sister-in-law, Hermione Goffigan- Smith preceded her in death); and nine grandchildren. Jennifer held a special bond with three of her grandchildren, William Anthony, Amanda and Tevin; and a host of other relatives and friends. Jennifer has impacted the lives of many.

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Jennifer L. Goffigan

July 3, 1946 - April 20, 2013