Rena Mae (Miller) Goodman

Rena Mae Miller Goodman, Age 86, of Vilas, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 23, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 9, 1939, to Monroe Cottrell Miller and Estella Mae White Miller, Rena lived a life defined by extraordinary strength, compassion, and a deep devotion to her family and friends.

Upon graduation from Cove Creek High School, Class of 1958, Rena worked in retail and hospitality. She ultimately retired from Appalachian State University, where she served as a hospitality manager for the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. Outside of work, she found joy in vegetable and flower gardening, and cooking and entertaining family and friends. But most of all she loved being a wife, mom, and nana.

Rena is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jackie Goodman, daughter Pam Goodman Houser (David), son Mark Goodman (Kelly); grandchildren Megan Goodman, Dylan Goodman (Anna), and Darren Goodman; great grandchildren Riley and Emmy, who will forever cherish her warmth, humor, and unwavering support. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Eva Nell Miller, Esther Miller, Willie Miller, Judy Greer Tisdale (Abner), and brother-in- law Melville T. Greer, Jr. (Joyce), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rena was preceded in death by her parents and 8 siblings, Georgia Miller Hayes (Ernest), Howard Miller, Wilma Miller Greene (Fred), Jack Miller (Ruth), Bill Miller, Lewis (Lou) Miller, Virginia Miller Yates (Conley), Kermit Miller, and sister-in-law Rebekah Melba Goodman Badger.

Family requests no food. Flowers are welcome (Rena loved flowers) or make a tribute donation in her honor to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to help fund research for treatment and a cure. (https://alzfdn.org/donate)

The Celebration of Life will be conducted in the Chapel at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, Boone.

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Goodman family.

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