Maggie Goodman Gay quietly and peacefully entered into eternal rest at Sentara Obici Hospital on March 26, 2015.

She was born in Suffolk to Ervie Goodman. Maggie was preceded in death by her sister, Baby Christina; mother, Ervie Goodman, and her husband of 50 years, Thomas “Tom” Gay; and son-in-law, Richard Brown.

Maggie graduated from East Suffolk High School in 1953. She continued her education at Norfolk City College, receiving a certificate of completion in general business and administration. In 1989, she received a certificate from the Community Mental Health and Psychiatric Institute/Eastern Virginia Medical Authority, Norfolk.

In 2005, she received a certificate in ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg’s Suffolk teaching site, and in 2008 she received an associate of liberal arts and science degree from VUL’s Suffolk site.

Maggie was employed at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital (now Sentara Obici Hospital) for 15 years as an admissions clerk. She retired from the Norfolk Community Service Board/Mental Health Services in 1994, having worked for 27 years as patient advocate and case manager.

Maggie was a faithful member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church, where she served in various ministries until her health failed.

Maggie leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Anita R. Brown; two sisters, Barbara A. Blount (Richard) and Lillian C. Goodman of Suffolk; a special sister, Helen Raley of Norfolk; a devoted adopted sister, Clementine Bess of Portsmouth; one son, Stephen R. Gay (Edna); five loving grandchildren; a devoted nephew, Kenneth Goodman; two goddaughters, Yvette W. King and Carolyn Outlaw Griffin of Suffolk; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A wake will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Union Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. V.T. Chambers. Graveside service will be held at noon, Tuesday at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Pleasant Union Baptist Church Prayer-a-thon Ministry. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockrfuneralhome.com.