Sarah Margaret Goolsby

Sarah Margaret Goolsby May 4, 1934 – March 6, 2026

Mrs. Sarah Margaret Goolsby, a resident of Dothan, passed peacefully from this life on March 6, 2026, at the age of 91, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her devoted family, wrapped in the same warmth she so freely gave to others throughout her life.

Funeral services for Mrs. Goolsby will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church, 1951 Westgate Parkway, Dothan, Alabama 36303, with Bro. Jeff Ross officiating and Holman Funeral Home of Headland directing. The family will receive friends at Heritage Baptist Church from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Tuesday at Midway Memorial Gardens, 24348 U.S. 31, South, Jemison, Alabama.

Margaret was born May 4, 1934, in West Blocton, Alabama, to the late Huey Lawrance West and Maggie Willard Morse Logan. She was the eldest of five children and learned early the values of hard work, faith, and family. At sixteen, she moved to Birmingham and began a lifetime marked by determination and resilience.

Over the years, she held many positions: bookkeeping, retail management, working in a portrait studio, owning a ceramic shop, and later serving as a Realtor and Broker while living in Arizona. Yet the role she cherished most was that of mother. She was a member of the Daughter’s of Rebekah, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Chilton County Master Gardeners.

Margaret was first married to William David Matthews, with whom she shared many unforgettable years. As an Air Force wife, she spent several years in southern Germany, where she fell in love with the beauty of the Alps. In 1974, she married Hobert “Buddy” Edwin Goolsby, her beloved husband and companion of 46 years until his passing in 2020. Together they spent seventeen years in Arizona, surrounded by the mountains she adored, before returning to Alabama to be near family.

Margaret was also preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Lawrance West and James Robert Logan, and her cherished niece, Tammy Breasseale Woodward.

Margaret leaves behind a proud legacy in her children: Richard David Matthews (Vicki), Kenneth Dale Matthews (Tanya), Sheila Goolsby Baker (Danny), Sylvia Goolsby Pugh (Gordan), and Allen Goolsby. Her love continues through her grandchildren, Nikki Gillespie (Kris), Joshua Matthews (Caitlin), Danielle MacConnell (Thomas), Garrett Wells, Chris Wells (Tiffany), Haylie Hughes (Cade), Michael Wells (Aubrey), Joseph Matthews (Kelly), Steven Matthews (Stephanie), Margaret Paige Pritchett (Mike), Patrisha Matthews, Ben Phillips (Lynsey), Amy Pierce (Brandon), Landon Johnson (Jaime), Lauren Okor (Mamerhi), Graham Pugh, Emma Pugh and Leah Pugh; thirty-nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Doris West Breasseale; her brother, Thomas Douglas West (Barbara); her adored niece, Connie Waldron (Ryan); a host of beloved extended family members, and innumerable faithful friends.

Margaret lived a full and beautiful 91 years. A life rich with adventure, faith, resilience, and deep devotion to family. Her smile was radiant, her laughter contagious, and her spirit unforgettable. She found joy in life’s simple and sacred gifts, such as tending her garden, creating beautiful art, and sharing that beauty she created with the people she loved. She cherished her church family and delighted in gathering the people she loved around her.

Margaret believed people need not always agree, but that there was no room for hatred in the heart. It was a belief she carried throughout her life. She lived with kindness, generosity, and quiet strength that shaped the lives of those around her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will continue through the many lives she touched.

Serving as active pallbearers are Joseph Matthews, Joshua Matthews, Steven Matthews, Christopher Enfinger, Cade Enfinger, and Logan Pitchford. Honorary pallbearers are Isaiah Matthews, Ben Phillips, Thomas MacConnell, and Kris Gillespie.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Enhabit Hospice for their compassion and gentle care.

HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.