Isabel Goforth, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and vibrant spirit. Born Nov. 11 1937 in Gislingham, England, Isabel, she passed away on Dec. 7, 2024, in Tulsa.
Isabel was raised by her parents Syble and James Frank Gooderham at the Red House farm in Suffolk, England alongside her three sisters and two brothers.
This is where her lifelong love of horses began with her first horse, Strawberry, who her father, an avid equestrian, taught her how to ride.
Her stories of growing up were happy ones, filled with laughter and bonding with her siblings and life on the farm in the 1940s with her beloved dog Lion, always by her side.
At the age of 18, Isabel met Eual Bailey, a young handsome American soldier stationed in England. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage, a move to the United States, and at the age of 20 she gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Joann. Soon after, they had a son named Floyd, and two daughters named Jackie and Bobbie.
As a family they lived across Europe and the U.S., from the sunny beaches of Florida to the rugged beauty of New Mexico and the charm of England and Germany, Isabel embraced every new place with her love for adventure, making lifelong friends wherever she went.
Though Isabel and Eual later parted ways, she remained close to Flo Bailey, her former mother-in-law, forming a loving lifelong family bond. You could hear them laughing together from across the house, the joy they found in each other and their unbounding friendship was something few people experience and one they held dear.
Isabel was by Flo’s side during her later years and was with her in her final hours; it was a love and friendship that transcended the test of time.
In the mid 1970s, Isabel fell in love with Teddy Goforth. They married, sharing her passion for horses and his love of vintage cars.
Together they owned a number of successful business ventures, built their dream home enjoying many happy memories surrounded by music with Teddy and his band playing and singing.
One of her favorite memories was the many fun evenings spent line dancing – a hobby Isabel loved. Teddy and Isabel resided in Eufaula where they were active in the community and had many friends in and around the area.
They shared a daughter, Ray Goforth, and a lasting 40 + year marriage, until Teddy’s passing from cancer in 2012. She often spoke of Teddy after his passing, how she missed hearing him play his guitar and the vegetable garden they shared.
Isabel’s passion for horses continued throughout her life. She proudly showed Tennessee Walking Horses and was an avid rider for most of her years, earning many trophies, most of which she proudly displayed in her home. Her beloved horse, Skip, was often by her side in competitions and became an essential part of her life and winning success in the ring.
Known for her infectious zest for life, Isabel’s fiery red hair, biting humor, competitive nature, and magnetic confidence made her the life of every party. Whether she was making a joke or jumping in to get things done, Isabel had a way of drawing people to her with ease.
In her later years, she developed a passion for playing Bridge with close friends, maintaining her competitive spirit, challenging a special group of ladies she cherished and built long lasting, meaningful relationships with, they lovingly referred to her as “Izzy” a nickname we all came to know her as.
Isabel is survived by her five children, two stepsons, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, son-in-law, and her beloved brother Gerald Gooderham, who resides in the UK. Her bond with Gerald was lifelong, strengthened by her close relationship with his wife Joyce, a friend from their school days.
She leaves behind memories of laughter, love, and stories that will live on with everyone fortunate enough to have known her. We celebrate her fabulous life and envision that she’s reunited with friends and loved ones, whole again, and riding wild and free on her beloved Skip.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hbmfuneralhome. com
