Minerd.com Biography of Jesse Floyd and Reatha (McCuen) Goins of Michigan and Ohio

Jesse 'Floyd' Goins
(1892-1973)

Floyd was united in matrimony with Reatha Arcelia (McCuen) Spires (1899-1960), the daughter of Augustus and Almeda (Boggs) McCuen of Davisville near Parkersburg, Wood County, WV.

Floyd and Reatha went on to produce a large family of 11 children -- Jesse Edward "Jake" Goins, Donald Oneal Goins Sr., Wesley Eugene Goins, Denver Dwight Goins, Gerald Lewis Goins, Floyd Junior Goins, Charles Leroy Goins, Arcelia Mae "Tootie" Wilkes Norman, Nancy Marie Croston, Catherine Louise Taylor and Betty Ilene Norman.

Reatha had been married once before, to railroader Francis "Frank" Spires (1893- ? ), a native of Wellsville, OH. She thus brought two children to her marriage with Floyd -- Emmett E. Spires and Frances E. Parsons.

The 1920 census shows Floyd (age 28) and Reatha (age 20) and children Emmett and Frances residing together at the McCandlich Mines in the Simpson district of Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV. Floyd worked that year as a laborer in the mine.

Not long after their eldest son Jake was born in 1920, the Goinses relocated to Michigan, settling for a time in Harrison County. Over the years the family migrated back and forth from Ohio to West Virginia and Michigan and back, as Floyd sought opportunities for work. Most of their children were born in Ohio, although son Donald (in 1921) and Wesley (1924) were born in Michigan. They attended Baptist churches in the communities where they lived.

Floyd Goins and his family farming near Zanesville circa 1943

While in Harrison County, MI in 1920, Floyd and his brother in law Kirby Norris owned a team of horses. They employed the horsepower in hauling gravel and sand, helping to construct Tamarack Road around Houghton Lake and Prudenville. Their son Donald later wrote about the frequent moves:

In 1921, my parents moved to Kalkaska, MI, where I was born. Still having one modest dump truck and team, Pop worked building railroad beds in that area. In 1922 he moved our family to Boxtown, OH, where I believe my sister, Arcelia "Toots" was born. He lived in and hauled coal around the Zanesville, OH area for about a year, then moved back to Michigan in the fall of 1922. We lived in various areas where Pop found employment--Gratiot County, St. Louis, Breckenridge, and the Mt. Pleasant area where my brother, Wesley, was born in 1924. We lived on a farm on E. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Pop worked at various jobs hauling beets, logs, oil well supplies for Atha Oil Company. In the winter of 1924 the family moved back to Zanesville, OH. where Pop worked in the coal hauling business. By 1930 he was working for himself and finally got into the general hauling business hauling for Montgomery Ward, Cussin Fern and Martin Roseberg Wallpaper in 1937. He also took coal samples to Columbus, OH, to have coal tested for quality and type of coal. These were screenings not sold to the public, but Pop said there had to be a market for, then he got the tests back and took sample loads to Wyant Greenhouse and Consumer Brewery in Newark, OH.

In 1933 Pop got a contract at both companies. He eventually bought eight trucks, hand-loading coal and hauling 42 miles from the mine site to Newark. He had 7 drivers, plus himself, and hauled coal 7 days a week. Back then I recall him saying he paid each driver $15.00 per week. He hauled 20,000 tons to Wyants and 32,000 tons to Consumers from 1932 to 1934. In addition to coal, he did movings, and hauled pottery from Weller, Roseville, Burley Clay Products and pottery companies in the Zanesville area during the period from 1932 to 1935. During that time period he also hauled coal to Cooper Tire Company in Findlay, OH and Falters Packing in Columbus, OH. In 1935 the U.S. government passed laws regulating licenses for hauling. Pop did not have the money to get the required license and Miller Trucking of Zanesville, OH, as well as some other businesses, obtained the license so he could continue his hauling business. 1937 was a bad year. We went into the business of hauling produce. Pop bought a fruit market on W. Main Street in Zanesville, OH, where he stayed until 1947 at which time he moved back to Michigan and relocated in Lansing.

Donald in Dewitt, MI with his earth-moving equipment, ca. 1947

When the federal census was conducted in 1930, the Goins family was back in Ohio, living next to his half-sister and her husband Anna Nancy and John O. McCuen in Washington Township, Muskingum County. Floyd's occupation was listed as "truck driver - odd jobs."

During World War II, the Goinses worried as sons Jesse, Donald and Wesley, and stepson Emmett, all served in the United States Army. The news of the family's involvement was covered by a local newspaper.

In about 1942, the Goinses resided at 1234 Devin Street in Zanesville, Muskingum County. While in Zanesville in 1944, at a home on Adamsville Road, they hosted a family gathering with Floyd's cousins of the Woody family. Their address in 1945 was 1130 Gatterell Street in Zanesville.

Floyd and Reatha enjoyed making driving trips together, especially to Washington, DC.

Later, they relocated to Michigan, making their home in Old City (1947) and Lansing (in a home on Cedar Street, circa 1954). They were affiliated with the Friendship Baptist Church, and lived just three doors away from the sanctuary building.

Among other projects with his earth-moving equipment, Donald assisted with construction of U.S. 27 from around Mason, Ingham County to Ithaca, Gratiot County, MI. He also handled the bulldozing for bridges when Interstate 96 was built in the late 1950s in Ingham, Eaton & Ionia counties. In the early-mid 1960s he managed grading on I-496 in the Lansing area.

Reatha died on Aug. 6, 1960, at the age of 61. An obituary was printed in the Lansing State Journal. After a funeral service in the family church, her remains were returned to Ohio for interment in Zanesville. Pallbearers were Georges Jones, Fred Green, Ruben W. Murray, Arthur L. Glasscoe, John Davis and Curly Brown.

Floyd survived her by a baker's dozen of years. He passed away at age 81 on Dec. 12, 1973. At the time of his death, the Times Recorder noted that he was survived by a staggering "65 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren." His pallbearers were Douglas Wilkes, Terry Wilkes, Gary Wilkes, Terry Taylor, Donald Goins Jr. and David Goins. He rests beside his wife in Woodlawn Cemetery.

For more information on this branch of the Minerd family, visit the extraordinary genealogy website of descendant Irita (Goins) Canady which contains a stunning array of wonderful family photographs. In her introduction to the site, Irita writes that of Jesse Floyd Goins' 74 grandchildren, "68 are still living. I've lost track and stopped counting the number of children in the generations that follow."

Floyd and Reatha's offspring (in 1973, left) and in 1992

Son Jesse Edward "Jake" Goins (1920-1983) was born on April 15, 1920 in Meadowbrook near Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV.

He resided in the Mount Pleasant community in Michigan in 1941 and earned a living as farmer. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 158 lbs., with brown eyes and brown hair. He bore a mole behind his right ear.

During World War II, Jake served in the U.S. Army as a "Tec 5" in the quartermaster corps. He enlisted on Sept. 25, 1942 and was deployed to Great Britain. During his term of service, reported the Zanesville Times Recorder, he "helped haul a record load of more than one million tons of bombs, ammunition and supplies for invasion air forces during 1944. He is serving in the Combat Wing, the Air Service Command's crack trucking organization, whose trucks traveled more than 30 million miles during the past year over narrow British highways through fog and storms hauling men and material to carry on the air war against the Nazis." He received his discharge on Dec. 29, 1945.

In addition to his brothers Donald and Wesley, he is named in the 1947 book Muskingum County Men and Women in World War II, authored by Norris F. Schneider and published by the Zanesville Publishing Co.

On May 3, 1947, in Zanesville, when he was age 27, Jake was joined in the bonds of wedlock with 27-year-old Vicine Norman (1920-2011), daughter of William "Franklin" and Rosa Mae (Stonaker) Norman of Malta, Morgan County, OH.

They produced seven offspring -- Norman Louis Goins, Bruce Michael Goins, Iris Fuller, Paula Goins, Andrea Maria White, Alecia Barber and Vickie Goins.

During the 1950s, the Goinses relocated to Lansing, MI and they stayed there for the remaining years of their lives. While in Lansing, Jake earned a living as a self-employed contractor. Their address in 1953 was 434 North Cedar Street and in 1968-1984 was 216 Guenther and 1304 Guenther.

Jake died in Lakeland at the age of 63 on Dec. 29, 1983. Jake's remains were brought back to Lansing for interment in Deepdale Memorial Park, with Rev. John A. Kennedy officiating. His obituary in the Lansing State Journal noted that he was survived by a dozen grandchildren. At the time, all seven of his children lived in Lansing.

Vicine outlived her husband by 28 years. She died in Lansing, at the age of 90, on March 15, 2011.

Son Norman Louis "Louie" Goins ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). During the Vietnam War, circa 1968-1969, he was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He trained in San Diego and at Camp Lejeune, NC and then was deployed to South Vietnam with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Division. He held the rank of lance corporal, and news of his status was printed in the Lansing State Journal. After his military service ended, he made a home in Lansing. He married Monika Jo Cotton ( ? - ? ) and had four known offspring: Travis Louis Goins, Jason Edward Goins, Garrett Michael Goins and Marisa Vicine Goins. Their address in 1973-1974 was 4813-B South Waverly.

Son Bruce Michael Goins (1949-2021) was born on Oct. 10, 1949 in Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. As a boy of about eight, he relocated to Michigan with his parents. Bruce appears to have been married twice. His first bride was Viva Horton ( ? - ? ). She is believed to have brought two offspring to the union, Bruce Horton and Scott Horton. The couple bore two children together -- Anthony Michael Goins and Michaela Ree Brown. Bruce's second wife was Laura "Laurie" ( ? - ? ). They tied the knot in about 1972 and remained together for 48 years. He was a longtime employee of the State of Michigan, and he retired at the age of 53 in 2002. Bruce died at the age of 71 on Jan. 8, 2021. His remains were cremated.

Daughter Iris Rose Goins ( ? - ? ) was born in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, MI. On Dec. 6, 1975, she wed David L. Fuller ( ? - ? ). They made their home in Lansing and had the following children: Dominic David Fuller and Ryan Anthony Fuller. The family's address in 1977 was 1312 Guenther.

Daughter Andrea Maria Goins (1953- ? ) was born in 1953 in McLaughlin Hospital in Lansing, MI. News of her birth was announced on the pages of the Lansing State Journal. Andrea attended Lansing Community College. Circa 1983, she married Thomas Eugene White (1945-2007) and remained in Lansing. They are not known to have reproduced, and in time they divorced. She earned a living through her work for Lansing Community College. On March 19, 1998, in nuptials held at Faith Tabernacle, she wedded again to Rolando Martinez ( ? - ? ), a native of Cuba and the son of Juan and Primitiva (Garcia) Martinez. He graduated from college in Cuba and at the time of marriage was employed with Mattress Discounters as a stocker. Their wedding was publicized in the State Journal. Former husband Thomas died in Lansing at the age of 61 on Jan. 2, 2007.

Daughter Alecia Vicine Goins ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In about 1975, she was united in marriage with Derrick Von Barber ( ? - ? ). At the time, they shared an address at 811 West Shiawastee. In 1983, their home was in Lansing. Their children were Derrick Lamar Barber, Eyen Marcus Barber, Nicholas Barber and Jessica Allie Barber.

Daughter Vickie Meleah Goins ( ? - ? ) resided in Lansing. She married Reginald "Reggie" Armstrong ( ? - ? ) and had one son, Ethan Armstrong.

Lansing, MI -- Michigan Avenue looking west. Note Hotel Wentworth at right.

Donald Oneal Goins, Sr. (1921-2011) was born in 1921. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was stationed at Charleston Army Air Field in Charleston, SC. He was honorably discharged in December 1945.

First and foremost, wrote his daughter Irita, Donald was a family man: he loved his three children equally and unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the sixty-eight years he spent with his beloved wife, Elizabeth Violet (Adams) Goins (Jan. 10, 1926-2021). He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Don was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting baseball records, and the first Miss America was crowned. But in Sigma, Michigan, these events were far from the hearts and minds of Jesse Floyd Goins and his wife, Reatha Arcelia (McCuen), on November 12, 1921, the day Donald was born. There was much excitement around the Goins home on the day Donald decided to come into the world, as their was a major snowstorm going on, and a cousin living nearby had to take his horse and sled to town to get the doctor.

Don was the fourth of 13 children with seven brothers and five sisters. His placement in the sibling lineup meant he carried a lot of responsibility for there was always work to be done. While his mother was a very busy homemaker, Don’s father was a self-employed trucker and owned a produce market. Because of his work, the family moved frequently between southeast Ohio and Michigan. This meant that Don attended school wherever they were living at the time, the last being in a one-room schoolhouse in Adamsville, Ohio. He quit school after the 8th grade to find work to help support his family.

Donald, back row, 4th from left, with Dutro employees in Zanesville, 1942

One summer, in the early 1940s, Don was working at his father's fruit market in Zanesville, Ohio, and it was here he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. True love soon blossomed between the two and they were happily married on April 29, 1942. It wasn’t long after saying "I do" that Don enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corpa and proudly served his country for 3 years. During this time, Don and Elizabeth welcomed the birth of their first child, son Donald Jr., in 1944.

The family of three moved around quite a bit during Don’s military service, living in Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Texas and South Carolina. After his honorable discharge in 1945, they continued to move around, but soon their family grew to include their two youngest children: David (1948) and Irita (1949). Eventually, Don, Elizabeth and their three children put down roots in Michigan, settling on Millett Highway in Lansing. In 1958, the couple opened their hearts and home to their nephew, Doug Wilkes, who lived with them from the 8th grade through his graduation in 1963.

Don and Elizabeth’s life was busy and happy. Don worked hard to provide for his family utilizing his many talents and skills working a variety of different jobs. He also owned his own business with trucks, bulldozers and asphalt equipment. Then, in 1952, Don began a 28-year career at General Motors as a supervisor. Outside of work, Don was able to achieve great happiness dedicated to the simple foundation of family and fun. From 1953 to 1983, she helped generate income through her employment as an assembly line worker at plant 4 of General Motors Corporation in Lansing.

Traveling was one of the Goins family favorite ways to spend time together. Over the years, they had driven "to and through" just about every state, except the northern most states and Alaska and Hawaii. There were fishing and camping trips both in the summer and winter to Traverse City, Houghton Lake and the Upper Peninsula, all of which left indelible memories with the family that they cherish to this day. Having fun was always on the agenda in the Goins house. They were all practical jokers and one never knew when the next prank was going to be pulled. Because Don was terrified of snakes, his kids would hide a fake snake somewhere to surprise him, and they once rigged a voice box to the toilet, succeeding to scare the "bajabbers" out of him. Don joined right in the fun by telling his kids there was a pony in the yard for them - making a great April Fools’ joke. What wasn’t a joke though was every day was "ice cream" day since there wasn’t a cake, cookie or pie that Don didn’t love.

Still walking side by side, after 62 years of marriage, 2004

After a fulfilling career, Don retired from GM in 1980. He continued to be active in his retirement years, pursuing some of his favorite hobbies, including fishing, traveling, snowmobiling, rock hound, jewelry making and gardening. Don and Elizabeth enjoyed being social and getting together with some of their closest friends: Pat and Fred Smith, John Burnett, Gene Alaverado, Richard and Evelyn Kempf, Tom Force, Bill and Char Denovan, and Roger and Mary Boes. Although family was always Don and Elizabeth’s first priority, they never thought twice about going out of their way to help someone in need. They will be forever remembered not for the things they did, but for the reason they did them.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Don will be greatly missed and remembered always.

Donald, age 89, passed away on March 22, 2011, at his home in Muskegon, MI, ending a marriage which had endured for an extraordinary 68 years. Survivors included his son, Donald O. (Jean Freeman) Goins, Jr.; daughter, Irita E. Canady, both of Muskegon; grandchildren: Craig, Elizabeth, Brian, Scott, Mike, Nicole, David Jr., Russell, Heather, Adam, John, Tonia and Lee; 15 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; brothers, Wesley, Denver, Junior, Gerald; sisters, Arcelia, Nancy, Betty; daughter-in-law, Carol Goins; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David E. Goins, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Linda; brothers, Emmett, Jesse & Charles; sisters, Frances & Catherine.

Elizabeth survived her husband by about a decade and remained in Muskegon. Toward the end, she was in Florida, where she passed into eternity at the age of 94 on Feb. 4, 2021. Interment of the remains was in Twin Lake Cemetery.

Son Donald Oneal Goins Jr. (1944- ? ) was born in 1944. He was twice-wed. His first wife was Peggy Diane Enright ( ? - ? ). The couple tied the knot on July 27, 1963 in Lansing. Their children were Craig Steven Goins, Elizabeth Diane Daman Vaughn McClure Pennington, Brian Keith Goins and Scott Douglas Goins. Donald Jr. wed a second time to Linda Lou Moyer (1944-2001) on Oct. 8, 1995 in Eaton Rapids. Their marriage lasted six years until her untimely passing at the age of 57 on Nov. 23, 2001. Today Donald is a companion of Judy Saunders.

Son David Eugene Goins Sr. (1948-2007) was born on Feb. 4, 1948 in Lansing. During the Vietnam War, he served as a medic with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany from 1968 to 1970. He married a number of times -- including Darla Simmons, Jean Marie Williams, Georgia (?) and finally to Carol Marie Deline. In all, he fathered five children -- David Eugene Goins Jr., Russell Allen Goins, John Goins, Adam James Goins and Heather Kerr. Their home was in Mulliken, MI. Recalled a sister, "He enjoyed fishing, woodworking/ building, and working on street rods, but his greatest love was his family. Whenever possible, he lent a helping hand to those in need. One of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences was when he, as well as his brother, sister, and youngest son, transported trailers for those displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita." He was stricken with lung cancer and died at the age of 59 on Aug. 15, 2007.

Daughter Irita Ethel Goins (1949-was born in 1949 and has been one of the pioneers of the study of the extensive, intertwined Mayle-Goins-Minerd genealogy. On April 21, 1979, Irita married Lee Andrew "Pete" Canady (1929-2013), son of Clinton and Jessie L. (Smoot) Canady, in East Lansing. The couple had two children -- Tonia Eugene Goins and Lee Andrew Canady II. Pete worked alongside his brother for more than two decades as his dental technician. He then was employed with Xerox Corporation as a senior national account representative. Pete also was involved with Model Cities, the Board of Police Commissioners for the City of Lansing, NAACP, The Masonic Lodge, Meals on Wheels and Trinity A.M.E. Church where was a trustee. Irita and Pete divorced in May 2006 in Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI. He died seven years later at the age of 83 on Jan. 7, 2013 at Sparrow Hospital.

Irita generously has shared her findings with many, including the founder of this website. In fact the two first met in Marietta, OH in January 2005 to compare notes and dig deeper. She has been active with the Lett Settlement Families Reunion and Underground Railroad/Civil War Roundtable held in Marietta and Belpre, OH in July 2008. In the fall of 2014, she shared her research at a family gathering in Philippi, WV with popular author, TV host and Harvard professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates for his PBS-TV show, Finding Your Roots. Others appearing on camera with her were Rhonda (Cook) Tabler of the family of John H. Kennedy, Amy Nichols of the family of Opha Cleophas Kennedy and Alexandra Finley, of the family of Stephen T. Minerd. She also hosted an online family photo album entitled "Goins/McCuen & Adams/Stevens Families of OH/WV/VA." In June 2015, she and Rhonda Cook were special guest speakers at our national family reunion. Sadly, she passed away in Lansing at the age of 66 on Dec. 18, 2015. Minerd.com extends its deep appreciation to Irita for opening many doors of exciting findings.

Irita on camera with Finding Your Roots host Dr. Henry Louis Gates, 2014

Son Wesley Eugene Goins (1925- 2021) was born on Oct. 27, 1925 in Mt. Pleasant, Isabella County, MI.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting on Jan. 15, 1944, when he was 18 years of age. Although a native of Michigan, he joined the military in Ohio in the state capitol city of Columbus.

He is named in the 1947 book Muskingum County Men and Women in World War II, authored by Norris F. Schneider and published by the Zanesville Publishing Co. During his service, he was stationed in the South Pacific Theatre and was on Okinawa Island for a time.

Book naming Wesley

Wesley married Grace Dorothy Norman (2016-2007), daughter of William "Franklin" and Rosa Mae (Stonaker) Norman. (His brother Jesse married her sister Vicine, and his sister Arcelia married Vicine's bother.) The newlyweds first resided in Zanesville in the mid-1940s.

Their children were Diane Grace Timberlake Hunt, Ronald Eugene Goins, Linda Sue Green and Timothy Eugene Goins.

Wesley wed his second bride, Mary Lou Thompson, a native of Portland, Ionia County, MI.

Their offspring were Bethany Lynn Ates and Kenneth Allen Goins. They lived in Lansing, MI in 1973.

Wesley was said to have been an "automobile mechanic extraordinaire. Not just vehicles, but anything with moving parts, his nimble fingers would have it working again in short order. He opened and operated his automobile body shop for a number of years, with his sons Timothy and Keith as his apprentices."

In his free time, Wesley liked to cook and his specialty was making homemade applesauce. He loved to laugh and was a fan of such legendary comedians as Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin and Red Skelton. A man of faith, he enjoyed Christian television and music.

Wesley survived his second wife by nearly 14 years. In early 2021, he contracted the coronavirus (Covid-19) and died on Jan. 14, 2021.

Daughter Diane Grace Timberlake ( ? - ? ) lived in Lansing and married Henry Hunt ( ? - ? ). She bore two sons children -- Kevin Allen Goins and Christopher Michael Hunt, who sadly was stillborn.

Son Ronald Eugene Goins (-1949-) was born in 1949 in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, MI. He died as an infant -- more will be added here when learned.

Daughter Linda Sue Goins ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Charles Green ( ? - ? ) in 1972. Their children were Brandon Lamont Green, Tara Nicole Fallon and Anthony Charles Green. They dwelled in 1973 in an apartment at 220 Gatewood in Lansing.

Son Timothy Eugene Goins (1956-2010) was born on July 11, 1956 in Zanesville. He and Lisa Lugo ( ? - ? ) had a daughter, Trinette Goins. His home in the late 1980s was at 2157 Forrest Road in Lansing. He was convicted in 1989 for possession of cocaine of a volume of less than 25 grams and was given a fine and two years' probation. He died at age 53 in Lansing on July 2, 2010. A notice of hia passing appeared in the Lansing State Journal.

Daughter Bethany Lynn Goins ( ? - ? ) was united in holy matrimony with Xavier Ates ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Arcelia Mae "Tootie" Goins (1924- 2016) was born on Feb. 24, 1924 in Zanesville, Muskingum County.

She was twice married. In about 1942, when she was age 18, she wed her first husband, 26-year-old Richard Wilbur Wilkes (1916-1980). He was the son of Delbert R. "Dell" and Emma (Faithful) Wilkes of Zanesville.

The couple resided at 826 Shelby Street in Zanesville and had five children -- Carolyn Helena Wilkes, Richard Douglas Wilkes, Vaughn Monroe Wilkes, Gary Lawrence Wilkes, Terry Lee Wilkes and Reatha Jean Gould.

Richard served in World War II, enlisting on Feb. 26, 1942, the same year they were married. In December of that year, she traveled to Marianna, FL to visit her husband, who had been promoted to the rank of sergeant.

The couple divorced in the late 1940s or early '50s. One of her sons, Richard Douglas, was taken in by her brother Donald and raised there to adulthood.

Arcelia's second marriage took place in 1951, when she was united in marriage with Harley L. Norman (1924-1993). He was the son of William Franklin and Rosa Mae (Stonaker) Norman of Morgan County, OH.

The Normans went on to have six children of their own: Kim Franklin Norman, Edward Lewis Norman, Karen Elaine Richardson, Brenda Gale Walker Benton, Marcella Alicia Norman and Sheila Norman.

They moved from Zanesville to Lansing, MI in about 1966 and remained there for good, where Harley found work as a construction worker. The family were members of the Faith Tabernacle Church of Lansing.

Tootie "was a homemaker, worked in retail at Spartan's Department Store and retired from MSU Food Services," said the Lansing State Journal. "She loved cooking and gardening. Arcelia will always be remembered for the love she had for her children and family and the kindness she showed to those she came in contact with."

Her former husband Richard Wilkes died in Cleveland's St. Vincent Charity Hospital at the age of 63 on May 18, 1980. Sadly, she also endured the deaths of three of her adult sons, including the gunshot killing of her son Edward in 1970.

Sadly, Harley died in Lansing at age 69 on Dec. 11, 1993. Following a funeral service preached by Pastor Frances Dunn, his remains were placed into rest in the Evergreen Cemetery. At his death, said a Lansing newspaper, he was survived by 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tootie survived her husband by 23 years. During her adult life, she endured the deaths of five of her children and grandson Jerome. At the age of 92, she passed away on Oct. 17, 2016. She was survived by seven of her children, 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church of Lansing, with burial following at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing.

Son Richard Douglas "Doug" Wilkes (1944-2015) was born on Nov. 8, 1944 in Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. He was a young boy when his parents' marriage broke up, and he went to live with his uncle and aunt, Donald and Elizabeth (Adams) Goins. He relocated to Lansing, MI as a young teenager. Doug married Betty Rosales ( ? - ? ) in Lansing, MI on Dec. 21, 1963, when he was 19 years of age. Their children were Londa Dawn Wilkes, Lynnette Marie Creagh and Jason Gerrit Wilkes. The family lived in Lansing, where Doukg was employed at Oldsmobile for 32 years, from 1965 until retirement in 1997. In later years, they made their residence in Rothbury, MI. Said the Lansing State Journal, he and Betty "traveled the country from coast to coast. Doug enjoyed wood working, fishing, and NASCAR. Doug & Betty traveled to Texas every winter, 'Winter Texans.' They made many dear friends. Doug enjoyed fishing in the gulf and flea marketing." Suffering from leukemia, he died at the University of Michigan Hospital at the age of 70 on April 24, 2015. His remains were placed into eternal rest at the Deepdale Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Son Vaughn Monroe Wilkes (1946-2013) was born on Oct. 12, 1946 in Zanesville. He is believed to have been named for the famed singer Vaughn Monroe of the big band era of the 1940s. Vaughn apparently never married and did not reproduce. Said a Lansing newspaper, "He had a love for the outdoors and his dog Gordy." He died unexpectedly at the age of 67 in Lansing on Dec. 22, 2013.

Son Gary Lawrence "Mort" Wilkes (1948-2013) was born on Jan. 29, 1948 in Zanesville. At the age of 24, he wed his first wife, Rhonda Seeley (1954-2003), a native of Lansing. The couple produced one daughter, Christine Saxton. After a divorce, he wed his second spouse, Myrna Lorrain Kenney circa 1982. They had one daughter, Emily Rose Becker. Then in about 1984, when he was 36, he married Cindy (?), daughter of Margaret Kelley. The couple produced one son, and Joshua Wilkes. Gary also had three step-children -- Robert Sherman, James Sherman and Billie Mendez. Gary was "employed with M&M Concrete Contractors for 27 years before retiring," said a newspaper. "He enjoyed Nascar racing, his favorite driver being #20 Matt Kenseth. He shared this hobby with his brothers Terry, Doug and Vaugh, calling each other before, during and after each race to discuss what happened and to get his brothers’ input." Sadly, Gary died at the age of 65 in Mason, Ingham County, MI, on Aug. 6, 2013. Funeral services were held at the Capital City Church of God in Christ, officiated by Pastor Danny Stoneham. His former wife Rhonda died at the age of 49 on Aug. 4, 2003.

Sprawling REO automobile factory in Lansing, a local landmark

Son Terry Lee Wilkes ( ? - ? ) married Linda Ann Chapela ( ? - ? ) in 1969 in Lansing. They had one daughter, Kelly Ann Hester. They divorced.

Daughter Reatha Jean Wilkes ( ? - ? ) was wedded to Ralph Leroy Gould (1934-2002). They were 17 years apart in age. They had two children -- Angela Renee Kolhoff and Adam Brice Gould. Ralph died in Lansing at age 67 on March 13, 2002.

Lansing newspaper

Son Edward Lewis "Eddie" Norman (1952-1970) was born on June 22, 1952 in Zanesville. As a teenager, he lived in Lansing with his parents. Tragedy struck the family on Jan. 12, 1970 when Edward was killed by a gunshot blast to the chest with a .22 caliber bullet. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing, with Rev. Richard Burgess officiating. Carrying his remains to the grave were pall bearers Richard Wilkes, Terry Wilkes, Gary Wilkes, Louis Croston, William Peck and Virgil Sweeney.

Daughter Karen Elaine Norman ( ? - ? ) and Lee W. Richardson III ( ? - ? ) were married in 1974 in Lansing. Their offspring were DeArco DeVonne Richardson, Arcelia Mae Richardson and Lady Rebecca Elizabeth Bellgowan.

Son Kim Franklin Norman ( ? - ? ) made his residence in Lansing and had one daughter -- Cheyenne Charmyne Canady Parker. Kim married Cathy Ann Kemp ( ? - ? ) in 1978 in Dewitt, MI. Their daughter was Casey Ann Norman Canady Halliburton Artibee.

Daughter Brenda Gale Norman ( ? - ? ) wed her first husband, William Walker ( ? - ? ), in Lansing. Their children were Tamara Nichole Walker and William Harold Walker. Brenda later married Robin Jerome Benton in 1981 in Lansing. They had three children of their own -- Robyn Jenelle Benton, Jerome Franklin Benton III and Brook Jeremyah Benton. Brenda is believed to have wed a third time to Edward Reid.

Daughter Marcella Alicia Norman ( ? - ? ) had two sons, Randy Lynn Norman and Jonathan Norman.

Daughter Sheila Marie Norman ( ? - ? ) was born with Down's Syndrome. She was not expected to live past a young age but has astounded everyone with her longevity.

Daughter Nancy Marie Goins (1927-2013) was born on April 29, 1927 in Zanesville.

At the age of 17, on May 4, 1944, she married World War II veteran Dean Edward Croston (1919-2003). He was the son of John and Bessie Ann (Singer) Croston and a native of Bartlett, Washington County, OH.

Dean was a farmhand in Chesterhill as a young adult. He had enlisted in the U.S. Army some nine months before the outbreak of the war, joining the military at Fort Hayes in Columbus, OH.

They had these children -- Raymond Dean Croston, Sandra Marie Alford, Carolyn Jean Mayle, Daniel Edward Croston, Louis LeRoy Croston, Kathy Coleen Jackson, Jerry Eugene Croston, Geraldine Denise Jackson. The family first resided in Zanesville. Later, they relocated to Lansing, the state capitol of Michigan.

Dean passed away in Lansing at the age of 83 on May 3, 2003. Burial was in East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos, Ingham County, MI, with an obituary printed in his old hometown newspaper, the Zanesville Times-Recorder.

Son Raymond Dean Croston ( ? - ? ) married Wanda Irene Sigourney ( ? - ? ) in 1963 in Lansing. They later divorced. Their two sons were Paul Edward Croston and Raymond Dean Croston Jr.

Daughter Sandra Marie Croston ( ? - ? ) was united in marriage with James Alford ( ? - ? ) in Lansing. Their one known son was Jeremy James Alford.

Daughter Carolyn Croston ( ? - ? ) married Denzil Mayle ( ? - ? ), son of Everett A. and Gladean (Adams) Mayle of Washington County, OH. She and (?) Henigan ( ? - ? ) had a daughter, Shaun Marie Henigan.

Son Daniel Edward Croston ( ? - ? ) wed Carol Betts ( ? - ? ). They produced a son, Scott Edward Croston, and lived in Lansing.

Son Louis LeRoy Croston ( ? - ? ) married Susan S. Skrubski ( ? - ? ). Their son was Louis Andrew Croston.

Daughter Kathy Coleen Croston had several children with David Houghton -- Amber Louise Halstead, Autumn Ferrer and David L. Houghton Jr. The Grim Reaper visited this family in 1987 when son David Jr. was killed in an automobile accident in Charlotte, Eaton County, MI. His remains were placed into eternal rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dimondale, MI, with Rev. Rockney L. Wing and Rev. Joyce Rodriguez officiating at the funeral. Kathy later married Richard Douglas "Doug" Jackson (1959-2013), son of Richard and Ruth (Terrill) Jackson of Sublett, Magoffin County, KY. The couple made their home in Eaton Rapids, MI and had several more offspring -- Destiny Jackson and Desiree Jackson. A newspaper reported that Doug "retired from Eaton Technology in 1996. He was a member of the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God Church. Doug enjoyed playing his guitar and making up silly songs, fishing, watching 'Bonanza' and NASCAR." Doug passed away on June 11, 2013, at age 54. Burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Daughter Geraldine Denise Croston ( ? - ? ) was married to Barry Jackson ( ? - ? ).

Son Denver Dwight Goins Sr. (1928- 2019) was born on Aug. 22, 1928 in Zanesville.

They made their residence in Lansing and had three children -- Maria Goins, Denver Dwight Goins Jr. and Kenyata D. Goins.

Denver survived his wife by more than 14 years. He joined her in eternity on Feb. 22, 2019.

Son Kenyata Goins ( ? -living) is a Christian pastor. He married Anita (?). He lives in Phoenix where he is manager of Christian Living Radio, an online radio station whose purpose is to reach people worldwide and show everyone that being a Christian is fun.

Daughter Catherine Louise Goins (1930-2010) was born on July 29, 1930 in Zanesville.

She wed Victor Arnold Taylor (1925-2010), the son of Charles C. and Cleo S. Taylor of Lansing. They enjoyed a remarkable 62 years together of married life.

The couple made their home in Lansing for decades and had three children -- Gary Taylor, Terrance Taylor and Deanna Hopkins.

Victor served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Later, said the Lansing State Journal, he "worked for the City of Lansing, Public Works Department and later retired from Atlas Drop Forge where he was very active in U.A.W. union business and leadership. He was an avid fisherman and fished many Michigan and Canadian lakes. He was a loyal University of Michigan football fan and Indy 500 enthusiast. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and grandchildren in his motor home. He was a member and one of the founders of the Esquire's Men's Club of Lansing."

Said the State Journal, "She was the first woman to work for the Lansing Fire Department and later went on to retire from the Lansing School District... [She] was a very energetic person who enjoyed the outdoors, camping, cooking and most of all loved providing for and being with her family."

Catherine and Victor both died the same year, within two-and-a-half months of each other. He passed first, in Lansing, on Aug. 4, 2010, at the age of 84. She died in Lansing on Oct. 14, 2010 at the age of 80. Their respective obituaries were printed in the State Journal. They were survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Son Floyd Junior Goins (1931-living) was born on Oct. 30, 1931 (or 1932) in Zanesville.

Floyd was united in marriage with Vivian Baldwin ( ? -2000). The ceremony took place in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, MI.

After a divorce, Floyd married again to Juanita Brown ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clarence A. and Goldie M. (Norman) Brown of Zanesville.

They went on to have several more offspring, including Kelly Goins and Bryant Goins.

In their later years, Floyd endured the untimely death of his 45-year-old daughter Debra in 1995.

Sadly, Floyd's former wife Vivian is believed to have died in about 2000 in Lansing.

In 1954, at the age of 21, Charles married 20-year-old Suzanne M. Vannderson (1934-1982).

They lived in Lansing and had a family of six known children, including Charlyse Goins, Charles Leroy Goins Jr., Lemuel Dwight Goins Sr., Shubi Goins, Tiria Goins and Frances Ann Goins.

Charles made a living in training and racing horses in the Detroit and Chicago areas. Circa 1973, his work took him to Chicago, likely in the town of Crete, Will County. Because Suzanne would not relocate from Lansing, the couple divorced.

Charles outlived his ex-wife and was in Illinois in 1984. He died in Crete on Sept. 5, 1994.

Son Lemuel Dwight Goins Sr. (1957-1995) was born on May 19, 1957 in Lansing. He had a family of children. Tragically, he died at age 38 in Lansing on Nov. 19, 1995.

Daughter Charlyse V. Goins (1954-2015) was born on Oct. 4, 1954 in Lansing. She was affiliated with the Islamic Center of Greater Lansing. She died at the age of 60 on Aug. 29, 2015. She was placed into rest in Lansing's Evergreen Cemetery.

She was married twice. Her first husband was Everett "Buddy" Fischer ( ? - ? ), a native of Zanesville. They had one daughter, Eve Lawrene Boggs Wilcox.

Later, on Sept. 13, 1958, in Zanesville, she married 22-year-old Charles Edwin Norman Jr. (1936-living), son of Charles Edwin and Thelma (Gibson) Norman. They had three children, among them Rhonda Lynn Norman, Vincent Edwin Norman and Charla Kay Dawdy.

Daughter Eve Lawrene Fischer ( ? - ? ) wed Tom Boggs ( ? - ? ) and had two sons, Matthew Leslie Boggs and Christopher Thomas Boggs. The Boggses lived in Lansing. Later, she was united in matrimony with Dennis Wilcox ( ? - ? ).

On Nov. 21, 1961, in Lansing, the 24-year-old Gerald wed 22-year-old Martha Jane Gibson, daughter of Edgar and Mary C. (Norman) Gibson. She was a native of Malta, Morgan County, OH.

They lived in Lansing and had three known children -- Faith Ann Goins, Mark Anthony Goins and Andrew Ross Goins.

He married Mildred Kennedy (1925-1988). Their seven children were Connie Spires, Emmett Elsworth Spires Jr., William Spires, Charles Spires, Robin Spires, Candy Spires and Penny Spires.

Circa 1973, the family lived in Freeland, MI and in 1984 in Arizona. Later, they relocated to Manawa, Waupaca County, WI.

Emmett survived his wife by 16 years. He died in Manawa at age 88 on Oct. 19, 2004.

Stepdaughter Frances Elizabeth Spires (1917-1990) was born on June 7, 1917 in Ohio.

She was young when her mother married Jesse Floyd Goins, who became her step-father. In fact, her eldest half-brother was just three years younger than she.

Frances married Edward "Fletcher" Parsons (1914-1995). He was the son of Emerson "Shugg" and Nora (Croston) Parsons.

They resided in Lansing and had seven children -- Marilyn Jean Parsons, Robert Parsons, James Parsons, Edward Parsons, Roger Parsons, Medina Parsons and Neva Parsons.

A granddaughter later recalled that "I will always remember Grandma and Tootie and Grace traveling all over and always going shopping at the Jupiter Store in downtown Lansing."

Frances at Sutton's Bay, MI, ca. 1988

All images on this page, except for Lansing postcards, courtesy of, and the Jesse Floyd Goins memoirs and Donald O. Goins Sr. obituary copyright © Irita (Goins) Canady, reproduced with written consent. Lansing images courtesy Minerd.com Archives.