Merline “Merl” Allen Goodson
February 15, 1948 – March 8, 2026
Merline Allen Goodson, affectionately known as “Merl,” was born on February 15, 1948, in the Parish of Saint James, Montego Bay, Jamaica, W.I., to Headley Egbert Allen and Daphne May Allen. The eldest of seven children, she was raised in a close-knit family and educated at Mount Alvernia Catholic High School before beginning her career as a dental assistant.
In 1976, Merline moved from Miami, Florida, to Cleveland, Ohio, where she soon met the love of her life, Gene Goodson. They were married in February 1977 and shared nearly five decades of devotion, faith, and partnership.
Merline continued her education at Cuyahoga Community College, becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist in 1989. She worked in several dental practices before serving more than 20 years at St. Luke’s Dental Clinic, retiring in 2008. Known for her warm spirit and winning smile, she was passionate about promoting dental health.
A woman of deep faith, Merline was active in church life, serving in the Women’s Guild, the Diocesan Choir of Cleveland, the Holy Spirit Church Choir, and as a catechism teacher. She loved fashion, cooking traditional West Indian dishes, traveling—especially to her beloved Jamaica—and gathering family and friends around her table.
Merline passed away on March 8, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, generosity, and love. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Duke Allen, Trevor Allen, Gwenet Allen, and Joan Allen.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Gene Goodson; their son, Dean Goodson; her brother, Bryan Allen; her sister, Marie Allen Beckett; and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Merline will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to family and faith.
Public viewing Thursday, March 19, 2026 12pm-7pm at funeral home. Funeral mass Friday, March 20, 2026 1030am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 E.131st. Garfield Heights, Ohio 44105. Family will receive friends at 10am. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, 26200 Aurora Road Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146.
Darlene Calhoun
Prayers to Gene and the family. Such a sweet person to be an angel and she will be missed.
James andMichele Garrett
So very very sorry to hear this. Our prayers are with you gene and your family
Barbara and Steven Neal
May Merline rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Barbara and I are truly heartbroken over your passing Merline. God’s blessings and peace to Gene, we are praying for him.
Margarete W Smith
Merline’s joy and happiness showed on her face, and especially through her eyes. I always felt she truly saw me when we greeted each other and those bright eyes communicated joy and peace to me. I left her presence feeling happy.
Joan Martin
Merline was a beautiful fun spirited lady. We will miss her teasing at Sunday Mass. May she rest in power with our Lord.Our sincerest condolences to Gene and Dean and her family
Otha & Joan Martin
Bill and Gloria Jefferson
Merl and Gene=The perfect couple! Deepest sympathy and God be with you Gene! May Merl rest in peace!
Erin Marie Raines
Merl, was a special angel who will always be remembered for her warm smile and joyful spirit. Many prayers and love are sent to Gene and family. May the grace and peace of our Lord and savior bless and keep you today and always.
Love and peace always,
Connie, Roger & Erin Raines
Mark Adolphus
My dearest cousin “Auntie Merlene” its so hard to say good by my heart ache with the pain of loosing you. But i understand that to be absent from the body is to be in the present of the Lord. Rest well cuz and i will see you in the by and by. Mark
Madge Allen
To family: We are Keeping you in our warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing as you go forward without your beloved Merl.
We will miss you Merl, your contagious laughter, beautiful smile and welcoming spirit.
May your spirit find peace as you go on to meet your Lord & Savior. RIP
Love: Madge, Nyree & Temi Tayo Allen
Sandra Gay-Chapman
Meri will be missed. She always welcomed me with her charming smile.
Rosalind Whatley
She’ll be truly missed, a friendly soul to everyone she met. God’s newest angel.