So, so many Garland residents knew her and loved her. My friend, our friend, Goldie Locke passed away Saturday. She was such an extraordinary and special person.
 
I appeared before the Plan Commission in the mid-1990's when Goldie served as the representative for District 2. I could not know then that I would later be appointed to represent District 1 and that we would sit side-by-side. Goldie still served on the Commission ten years later when I stepped down to run for Council. She was one of the longest serving members ever.
 
However, as distinguished as that service to Garland was, it tells very little about her greater service to our city. She served as the first president of the Garland branch of the NAACP and was always an active member; she was instrumental in the desegregation of Garland schools and the resulting open school policy we have today; she was very active in her church, Good Shepherd Catholic; and she was a Republican Precinct Chair and Election Judge for many, many years.
 
A woman with a tremendous heart, Goldie could often be seen with her nephew, Robert, who she was helping raise. For all the experiences of her life, I don't believe she would have rated any as high as her love for Robert, whose gentleness of spirit and kindness of heart are surely reflections of Goldie's immense influence and love.
 
Goldie would sometimes miss Commission meetings because she was in Houston for cancer treatments. At later stages, she needed extra oxygen. No matter the pain or the challenges, Goldie forever smiled, never expressing a single complaint. She exuded as much strength of character and peace of mind as anyone I've ever known. She was always very much her own person; her guide always her faith.
 
Garland has a lot of citizens that care about our city and are willing to serve our community. Some have done so to such an extent that Garland will remember them always. Goldie stands in that small group.
 
I wanted to share this information for all that knew and honored Goldie Locke:
 

 
In lieu of flowers, Goldie's family and the NAACP Garland Branch would appreciate your donation to the:
 

 
Please make checks payable to: NAACP Garland Branch #6256 and note "Goldie Locke Scholarship Fund." This fund will benefit the college education of Robert Locke, Goldie's nephew and the apple of her eye. Robert is a 10th-grade honor student attending Garland High School.
 
Goldie will be greatly and forever missed.
 
UPDATE:

Plan Commission (c. 2006) l-r: B. J. Williams, Douglas Athas, Vickie Faurote, Linda Jaresh, Robert Yen, Jeff Maynard, and Goldie Locke. Not shown: Craig Sheils and Sam Turneabe.