BIOGRAPHY

Ellen Goodwill was born near Paris, Kentucky, USA, on 2 February 1907. She moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as a model for a time before relocating to Battle Creek in the 1940s.

In Battle Creek, she met Augustus “Gus” Goodwill, who was employed as a doorman at the Bellman’s and Waiter’s Club. This social and dance hub was, for a period, the only establishment in town where members of the Black community could purchase a drink, as local laws prohibited the sale of hard liquor by the glass except in private clubs for members. The couple married in 1947, and remained together for 31 years until Gus passed away in 1978 at the age of 63.

She worked as a window dresser in Battle Creek, a job she enjoyed until her arthritis worsened, making it impossible for her to continue.

Goodwill passed away in Battle Creek, Michigan, on 2 March 2021, at the age of 114 years, 28 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the Gerontology Research Group on 14 July 2019. The validation was later recognized by LongeviQuest.

On 15 May 2020, following the passing of 113-year-old Irene Dutton, she became the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Michigan, at the age of 113 years, 103 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Irene Dunham.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Calhoun County’s oldest known woman, Ellen Goodwill, turns 111 years old” – Battle Creek Enquirer, 2 February 2018

* “Ellen Goodwill, Battle Creek’s supercentenarian, to celebrate 113th birthday” – Battle Creek Enquirer, 30 January 2020

* “Battle Creek’s Ellen Goodwill, Michigan’s oldest resident, dies at 114” – Battle Creek Enquirer, 5 March 2021

GALLERY