Alana J. Goolsby

Alana Joan Rodwell Goolsby, 97, of Citra, Florida, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Wisconsin to Charles and Geraldine Rodwell, Alana spent her early years near Wisconsin Dells before her family moved to South Florida when she was a young girl. Those formative years instilled in her the enduring values of faith, family, and hard work that would remain the foundation of her life. 

In 1946, in Broward County, Alana married Lambert Goolsby (1923–2000), her devoted husband of 54 years. Together they raised four children and operated a family dairy in Hollywood, Florida, where their days were filled with early mornings, honest labor, and the steadfast joy of building a life rooted in faith and love . In 1984, Alana and Lambert retired to Citra, embracing the quiet beauty of country life among friends and neighbors who shared their cherished values of family, faith, and honest living. She delighted in tending her flowers—especially her azaleas and beloved red roses—and found peace and purpose in the simple rhythms of family, farm, and fellowship. 

A woman of deep faith and radiant warmth, Alana was a longtime member of Sparr Baptist Church. She read her Bible daily and lived its teachings with quiet strength, humility, and conviction. Her faith was steadfast and true—expressed through her kindness, charity, and gentle encouragement. She guided her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren with love and patience, setting a lasting example of grace, generosity, and faithfulness. Alana was the heart of her home — a wonderful cook, gracious hostess, and gifted handworker who crocheted loving works that became cherished family heirlooms. Her table was always open, her laughter quick, and her presence filled every gathering with warmth and joy. Strong yet tender, humble yet confident, Alana’s life reflected the love of God in every gesture. 

Alana is survived by her children, Catherine and Rusty Fail of Gainesville; Clifford and Dee Goolsby of Citra; and Lynnette and James Barber of Anthony; her ten grandchildren, Matthew Fail, Jeff Charles Goolsby, Cassandra Deese, Diana Grantham, Christina Thomas, Dustin Goolsby, Joshua Barber, Megan Yancey, Cody Ryan Goolsby, and Rebecca Britt; Twenty-six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lambert Goolsby; her sister, Judith Geraldine Rodwell Sullivan; and her dear son, Jeff Lambert Goolsby.

A Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 13, at The Sparr Baptist Church, 1303 E Hwy 329, Citra, FL 32113 with a Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., and the Funeral Service: 12:00 noon.  Burial will following at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens and all are invited for a  Fellowship Meal: Immediately after the graveside, with family and friends. Loved ones are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life of faith and love. 

Flowers may be sent to Sparr Baptist Church.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” — Revelation 21:4; “Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28; “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” —Psalm 23