Jean Wagner Goforth

Jean Wagner Goforth, 90, of Lexington, passed away, Monday, March 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. We know she is now with her Saviour, Jesus Christ; her husband, Vernon; and the many loved ones there waiting for her!

A service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 27, 2026, in the Sears Chapel at Grace Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, with Pastor Jim Bush officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM, prior to the funeral service. A private burial will take place at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown.

Jean was born in Old Salem, on June 10, 1935, to the late Oliver J. Wagner and Reta W. Garris. She was proud to call Old Salem home for fourteen years. Jean was member of the 1953 graduating class from Griffith High School; she married her beloved husband, Vernon, the same year. They were married for 66 years and were blessed with three daughters, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She retired after twenty-five years of service with Joyce Brothers Company in Winston Salem. Jean loved her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely. She and Vernon enjoyed many bus trips with their friends, going out to eat breakfast everyday, and attending church together. She loved the Heritage Sunday School class at Grace Church as well. However, if you knew Jean, you knew she loved southern gospel music and attended as many quartet conventions and concerts as she could!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Goforth; favorite grandmother, Hallie Pike; and son-in-law, Phil Lineback (Melody).

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Melody Lineback, Diane Ford (Darrell), Denise Roberts (Jay); six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Wanda Davis- her friend, caregiver, cheerleader, encourager, and prayer warrior; Dr. Betsy English and Dr. Chris Marshall for taking great care of her for many years; the staff of North Davidson Dialysis Center, Lexington Dialysis Center, Mallard Ridge Assisted Living, and Trellis Supportive Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Grace Baptist Church Building Fund, 3305 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27127.