Melba Jean Goulding

Melba Jean Goulding, 80, of Johnson City, Tennessee, went to join the Lord and her beloved husband, Clare, on Friday the 28th of February. She was born to the late Lonnie and Ollie Leonard, November 4, 1933, in Johnson City, Tennessee. Melba graduated from Science Hill High School and attended East Tennessee State University. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Clarence E. Goulding, Jr, after 52 years of marriage. Melba was very active in and past president of the local Medical Auxiliary, an active member of the Cancer Society, Red Cross, Junior Service League, Junior Monday Club and several other local boards and committees. Melba was a member of First United Methodist Church. Her whole life was dedicated to serving others, especially her family. She considered her role as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as her greatest accomplishment. She loved to travel, spend time with family and friends, and play bridge. To honor the memory of her husband, Melba and her family developed the Goulding Amphitheater at Winged Deer Park and enjoyed many concerts with family and friends. Her children later honored her by establishing the Melba Goulding Playground, which is adjacent to the amphitheater. Melba is survived by: her sister, Barbara Clark, four children: daughter Amelia and husband Dr. Harry Little, son, Dr. E.C. Goulding III, daughter Karen and husband Mark Durkee, and son, Richard and wife Janell Goulding. She also is survived by ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. If you would like to honor Melba with a donation, some of her favorite charities include Good Samaritan Ministries, 100 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, The American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN 37601 and Niswonger Childrens Hospital, 400 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, TN 37604. The family of Melba Jean Goulding will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Monday, March 3, 2014, at Morris-Baker. The funeral service will be conducted at 12 PM Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Wayne White and Rev. Garland Thayer will officiate. The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be David Little, Justin Goulding, Jonathon Goulding, Cory Gulson, Bill Ballew, Dr. John Bradshaw, Dr. Avtar Dhaliwal, and Dr. Frank Johnson.