Leanna Waddell Surbaugh Gooden

Leanna Waddell Surbaugh Gooden (92) of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2023 at Elizabethtown Nursing and Rehabilitation. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Rosina Waddell; husband, Ross Dairrel Surbaugh (1957), and Paul Merton “Mutt” Gooden (2008); three brothers, Clifford Waddell, Amos Waddell, and Johnny Waddell; two sisters, Mantha Waddell Harvey, and Mildred Waddell Wix; and one son, Ross Daryl Surbaugh (2021).

She is survived by a son, William Marcus Gooden of Hendersonville NC; Rebecca Warren Gooden of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter in law, Joyce Surbaugh of Lowland, NC; three daughters Sandra S. Reinhardt (Alan) of Hickory, NC, Penny G. Basinger (Mikeal) of Sanford, NC, and Polly G. Hancock (Jim) of Elizabethtown, NC. Grandchildren: Corinne Letourneau (Rob), Cara Dolan (Chris), Christopher Connie (Patty), Erin S. Jones (Tim), Tyson Surbaugh, Alec Reinhardt, Anna R. Ward, Meredith B. Wicker (Jackson), Katie B. Ellis (Jeff), Kiley Basinger, Cassie Hancock, and Cade Hancock. Siblings: Frances Hatfield, Raymond Waddell (Mary), Howard Waddell (Mary), Phyllis Coffey, and sisters- in- law Carole Waddell and Joyce Gooden. 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was a long time member of Wesley’s Chapel Church where she was a faithful servant of the Lord. She  coordinated the Golden Nuggets Senior Citizens group, was an active participant in the United Methodist Women preparing many meals and working to serve in any way possible for the well known church bazaars. She volunteered many hours in the kitchen at church camp as well as leading Girl Scout troops and UMYF. Monthly Circle meetings with the ladies of the church was a highlight for Leanna. 

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and neighbor. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Sunday, November 26th at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, November 27th at Wesley's Chapel Church in Elizabethtown with Pastor Jonathan Hayes and Reverend Rusty Willis officiating service. A private burial will precede the service.