Mary Frances Dial Goodman

May 26, 1937 - January 29, 2022

Goodman, Mary Frances Dial – of Knoxville passed away January 29, 2022. She was born May 26, 1937, on Big Creek in Monroe County, Tennessee to Grace Murr Dial and James Reaford Dial, Sr., and was the youngest child of seven. Mary Grew up on a farm on Dancing Branch and as a child of the Dial family, developed a very clear understanding of Christian and positive Appalachian values. From an early age, she learned the lessons and return of hard work and was always aware of the value of a dollar. These lessons served her well her entire life. While attending Madisonville High School, Mary became the Drum Major of the band. She was also elected Homecoming Queen and Monroe County Burly Queen at the fair in Sweetwater. Mary learned to drive on an old pick-up truck but spent her time running around Monroe County in a topless 1949 Willis Jeep. And once she got wheels, there was no stopping her. Deciding to work in a bigger world, Mary attended Tennessee School of Beauty in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she eventually was elevated to Head Instructor and had the opportunity to teach, work with, and influence literally hundreds of women and men as they pursued their dreams in cosmetology. This position also brought opportunities to advance her studies in Paris, London, and other exciting places in the world. Traveling was a passion for Mary. Any opportunity to go and see, to experience something new and unfamiliar, to learn about things she had only read about, kept her passport up to date and her suitcase packed. Much of it was done through the Knoxville Ski Club where she made many friends. Thirty-three visits to Europe developed her taste to know more about the exciting world around her. Her passion was evident in the people and things in which she surrounded herself. One of the greatest things in her life was Lt. Tom “Tiger” Goodman, who was her husband and traveling companion for over 40 years. Together they saw and did things that many have never dreamed about. On one of her last trips to Switzerland, at age 80, Mary decided to try parasailing off an alpine mountain. It was a great experience, although the landing ended up with a broken foot, on crutches, and in recovery for some time. She commented “I flew like an eagle… but landed like a turkey.” Mary was a constant worker and a warrior in just about everything she took on. Especially in her battle against Leukemia and the following cancer. She fought hard and continued to look for the blessings in her life each and every day. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas G. Goodman, Jr.; parents, Grace and Reaford Dial; brother, James R. Dial, Jr.; sisters, Ina and Nina Dial, Lorene Dial; mother and father-in-law, Thomas Sr. and Eva Jane Goodman; nephew, David Stephens. She is survived by sisters, Christine Cloud (Knoxville) and Irene Lee (Madisonville); nieces, Sue Bivens (Knoxville), Terry Mutchnick (Bob) (Townsend), Robin Jenkins (Bob) (Knoxville); nephews, Larry Dial (Knoxville), Richard Dial (Knoxville), Roger Stephens (Melanie) (Madisonville). Special friends include Ray Volrath (Knoxville), Aileen Reddick (Knoxville), Gwen Oakes (Halls), Judy Jolley (Knoxville), Ann Otero and family (Paris, France), and Regina Haynes (Knoxville). Much thanks and gratitude to all the special people at UT Medical Center that Mary was served by and came to love very much in Dr. Aljadir’s office, Oncology and Transplant Unit, the Infusion Therapy Center, and the Cancer Center Lab. Mary’s roots always ran back to the farm where she grew up. She loved growing things. All kinds of vines and plants always surrounded her, both inside her home and especially the tomatoes she grew in her yard. And she sure could grow tomatoes. Almost as well as the love and laughter she grew wherever she was and whoever she was sharing with. Mary would be the first to tell you how truly blessed she was and what a good life she lived. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022, at Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Lynnhurst Cemetery, with Rev. Larry Dial officiating. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Vanderbilt Hospital Cancer Center or the Children’s Cancer Center at UT Hospital. Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.