John Edward Goodman was born October 18,1937 to Pastor Morris Edward and Helen Goodman. He was the 6th child of seven children and he was the baby boy. His siblings are his sisters: Johnnie Mae Harrison, Evelyn Pickett and Lucille McGowen, his brother: Herman Goodman and baby sister: Dorothy Green.

John grew up in Fifth Ward Texas where attended E.O Smith Jr High and Phyllis Wheatly High school where he graduated in 1955 .While attending school he played basket ball and football. He also attended the Hester House where he trained to be a Boxer.

In 1957  he met the love of his life Arrie Lee Smith. Together the loving couple raised five children.

Through the years he wore many hats. In 1965 he started his walk with GOD at his father's church, Unity Missionary Baptist Church. He then Graduated from Union Bible College in 1981. Pastor Goodman also worked at  Sears from  1975-1981), HISD (1999-2012), he was also an entrepreneur and owned a  BBQ stand where he worked on weekends.

John was very committed to the community and was affiliated with several honorable organizations : Minsters Alliance of HISD (1967-1983), Parent Advocacy Board to Principal Gentry- Worthing High School (1984-1985), PTO Member at Reynolds Elementary, Woodson Middle School, Worthing High School and Southside Ministers Association. In 1982  HISD  awarded him with the School Board Parent of the Year by Assistant Superintendent, Author Gaines.

John also led community driven platforms and was invited as a guest on the Donahue Show  in 1982 ( He spoke on  a panel  with other ministers in regards to beliefs in the bible being represented in the school district).

Following the passing of John's first wife Arrie Lee, years later he met and eventually  would remarry. He was married to his second wife: Lizzie Lane from 2006-2014. John and Lizzie both took sick in 2013.  It was at that time he decided to retire  from the ministry so he could focus on his health.

John was preceded in death by his first wife: Arrie Lee Goodman; second wife: Lizzie Lane Goodman; daughter: Charlotte Griffith; son: Andre Smith; great grandson: Josiah Goodman; parents: Pastor Morris and Helen Goodman; sisters: Johnnie Mae Harrison, Evelyn Pickett and Lucille McGowen, and brother: Herman Goodman

John Edward Goodman leaves to cherish memories with his family that include his sons: Peter Smith, Morris Goodman Sr. (Jennifer) and John Goodman Jr (Lucinda ); sister: Dorothy Green; son-in-law: Andrew Griffith; 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren,  2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and additional relatives and friends.