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Feb. 4, 1947 – Aug. 9, 2024

NATCHEZ – Sharon Lynn Bell-Goodrich, 77, of Natchez passed away on Aug. 9, 2024, after a long and superheroine battle with cancer.

Sharon was born Feb. 4, 1947, in Vallejo, CA, the daughter of Robert Forrest Bell and Beryl Agnes (Gatlin) Bell.

Sharon was a graduate of Barstow High School in the Class of 1964, received an Associate of Arts Degree from Barstow College in 1966, and attended Chapman College with a major field of study in medieval history.

Sharon married her beloved John Phillips Goodrich Sr. on May 17, 1996, in Clovis, CA. They spent over 30 years enjoying multiple adventures together and being each other’s best friend and rock. They were very passionate about community and often worked together to improve the lives of others.

Sharon built a career in Civil Service. She eventually retired as the Director of the National Cemetery in Natchez where she dedicated her time to ensuring that veterans and their families received the honors, services, and assistance they deserved.

Sharon especially loved animals of all kinds. In earlier years she raised and showed Arabian horses. She and John spent a great deal of time and love either rescuing on their own or assisting with Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue. It would be rare to find either without a pup nearby.

Sharon was a member of the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus for which she served as Queen Arethusa in 2007.

Sharon was on the Balloon Race Committee for several years.

Sharon was an unstoppable force filled with grace, dignity, and fierce stubbornness when she believed strongly in something or someone, she did not recognize can’t. Any person blessed with her unwavering support never felt alone. She had the ability to make people laugh even when they did not want to.

Remaining to cherish Sharon’s memory are her husband, John; children, Laura (Ralph), Mary (Anthony), Donnie (Jackie) John Jr., Juarez, Barbara, and Tara; grandchildren, Nicholas, Kris, Garrett, Amanda, Jack, Aaron, Christina, Jaime and Claire; nieces and nephews, Kim, Desiree, Kevin, Lisa, Kim and Bill. The host of others whom Sharon loved and cherished would take an encyclopedia-length manuscript to list.

Preceding Sharon in death are her parents, Robert and Beryl Bell, and her beloved little sister, Leslie Lloyd.

There will be a gathering on the bluff at sunset on Sept. 1, 2024, to remember Sharon.

Memorial donations in Sharon’s memory may be directed to Hoofbeats and Paw-prints.