Vella Maxine "Mackie" Perry Goodman

Vella Maxine “Mackie” Perry Goodman, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched countless lives, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born September 5, 1932, in the gentle hills of Henry County, Kentucky, Maxine was the daughter of James and Beatrice Payton Perry. Throughout her 94 years, she was a woman of grace, compassion, and unwavering love for her family.

Maxine was a 1951 graduate of Bagdad High School. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Louisville, where she began working at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company. It was there that she met Robert Joseph Goodman, the love of her life. Their meeting began a remarkable journey together that lasted 72 years, filled with love, laughter, family, and devotion.

Maxine and Robert built a beautiful life together and raised a family that remained the center of her world. She was a devoted mother to Michael J. Goodman, Joy Goodman Lehman (Chuck), Mark J. Goodman (Danielle), Leigh Ann Goodman, and Lori Goodman Lovelace. Her love and influence continued through her grandchildren—Christopher, Miranda, Mallory, Tiffany, Brittany, and Mason—and her many great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a part of her legacy with them.

After dedicating many years to raising her family, Maxine returned to the workforce with the U.S. Census Bureau’s National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. There, as throughout her life, she was known for her dedication, dependability, kindness, and gentle spirit.

Maxine found great joy in gardening and interior design. She had a natural eye for beauty and took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home and beautiful gardens. But her greatest gift was not something she created—it was the way she made people feel. Maxine had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed, valued, and loved. No one left her home hungry or without feeling cared for. Her generosity, compassion, and willingness to help others were simply part of who she was.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, James Perry and Beatrice Payton Perry; her siblings, Wilma Lee Perry Armstrong, Dorothea Perry Long, and Steven Perry; her devoted husband, Robert Joseph Goodman; her beloved daughter, Brenda Laine Goodman; and her grandson, Nathaniel Joseph Goodman.

She is survived by her sister, Joyce Perry Radcliff; her children, Michael J. Goodman, Joy Goodman Lehman (Chuck), Mark J. Goodman (Danielle), Leigh Ann Goodman, and Lori Goodman Lovelace; her grandchildren, Christopher, Miranda, Mallory, Tiffany, Brittany, and Mason; and numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members who will forever cherish her memory.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Norton Brownsboro Hospital for the loving care they provided to Maxine during her final days.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive with her service beginning at 2:00 in the chapel of the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Maxine’s memory to make a donation to a charity of their choice.

Maxine Perry Goodman lived a life defined by love, selflessness, generosity, and unwavering kindness. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply and the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be profoundly missed, but the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her life was a gift. Her love was her legacy.