Deborah Carrie Goode-Toms

Deborah Carrie Goode-Toms, 71, of Charlottesville, departed this life on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

She was born on May 2, 1954, a daughter of the late Claude Goode, Sr., and Carrie (White) Goode.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Claude Goode, Jr., and Thomas Goode, Sr.; her former husband, Reginald Toms; and partner James Williams. 

Deborah was a member of Salem Baptist Church and first attended Mt Alto Baptist Church at an early age, both of Howardsville, Va. She spent her life caring for others.  A strong-willed, passionate caregiver who showed her care and shared her love for over 60 years. She started by caring for her nine younger siblings, raising countless other family members, then owning & operating a daycare for over 20 years. She finalized her nursing career, lastly working in Hospice, where she retired from a lifetime of caretaking in 2015. She loved plants, flowers, gardening, music, various movies and shows —especially Westerns and Vampire/Werewolf Thrillers, cooking shows, porch relaxation, and socializing with her family and friends.

Survivors include a daughter, Alethea Toms-Barrett (Jermaine) of Charlottesville; a son, Jose Goode of Charlottesville; grandchildren JaCori Barrett, JaShawn Barrett, JaKell Barrett, Stephen Wells, Deja Goode-Brown, and Zesha Goode-Rush.  Siblings, James (Jimmy) Goode, Charlotte Veal (John), Roger Goode, Nathaniel Goode (Sheila), Vanessa Law, Sylvia Jones (Carl), and Harry Goode; special nieces, Krystle Goode, Lisa Bullock, Claudine (Dione) Bullock, Carrie Bullock, and their mother, a long-time friend, Donna Bullock; two special aunts, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends, too many to list. “Aunt Debbie,” as she was warmly called by many, was family to countless people, and if ever she loved you, please know that her love remains……

We would like to express heartfelt thanks to Rudy Amos, father of Jose Goode, for his continued support and presence throughout this journey.  Alethea would like to personally thank Stephen Wells, Andrea Hedgeman & Stephanie Baird for their constant support and assistance with her mother’s care during this hospitalization; it will never be forgotten.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the MICU and 3 Central at the University of Virginia, whose kindness, skill, and dedication brought comfort to Deborah and the entire family in her final days. 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a rose bush or your favorite plant in Debroah’s memory, and care for it with love, as she would have.

The family would like to thank Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home for handling the arrangements.

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