Sophia (Sophie) Kendrick Goforth passed away on April 1, 2025. Sophie enjoyed a long and meaningful life yet her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered, celebrated, and loved for her kind nature, concern for others, service and dedication to leading a faithful Christian life.

Sophie was born in Cleveland County on August 29, 1924. She was the fourth of five daughters born to Joseph Yates Kendrick and Selena Lowery Kendrick. The Kendrick family raised their daughters on Pleasant Hill Church Road where Pleasant Hill Baptist Church served as the center of spiritual and social life for the Kendrick sisters. They enjoyed a loving family life and shared experiences as only five sisters could. The importance of Sophie's sisters was a constant positive force in her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sisters Mamie Gantt, Louise Kendrick, Annie Ella Lane, and her younger sister Mary Jo Crawford Blanton.

In 1954, Sophie married Joseph Alexander Goforth. Their enduring marriage of more than 54 years was a model of love, devotion, care, and mutual respect. They were an inseparable team until Joe's death in 2008. Their only child, Joseph Alexander Goforth, Jr. died from leukemia at the age of three. Although his death in 1960 was an enduring loss for the couple, they responded to this sadness by looking outward. Their love and support for their family and generosity to their church and organizations in Shelby and Cleveland County leaves a lasting impact. Joe served as County Fair Manager for over 28 years, with Sophie faithfully by his side as his right hand. Together, their commitment to the Cleveland County Fair was marked by extraordinary dedication and lasting impact. Through their hard work and devotion, they made a lasting positive difference to this Cleveland County institution.

Above all, Sophie was dedicated to leading a Christian life. A lifelong servant of Christ, she lived out her beliefs through both action and presence. For 28 years, she served faithfully as treasurer of Beulah Church, where she remained an active and beloved member until age and health dictated otherwise. Sophie will be remembered as a faithful servant of her Lord, Jesus Christ.

A service to celebrate Sophie's life will be held at Beulah Stony Point Community Church, located at 1534 Stony Point Road, Shelby NC 28150. The service will be on Saturday April 5th at 11:00 am. Sophie will be in the church sanctuary from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made in her memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland County PO Box 2001 Shelby, 28151 or Beulah Stony Point Community Church PO Box 294 Shelby, 28151.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.