Thelma Jean Goodrich

Thelma Jean Goodrich, Ph.D., was born July 28, 1940, in Houston, Texas, and died peacefully there on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Her father, Robert E. Goodrich Jr., was a Methodist bishop, and she grew up in a deeply spiritual household where faith and God’s love became central to her life. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from SMU and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Behavioral Science from Rice University. She became a groundbreaking feminist family therapist, author, teacher, and mentor whose work helped shape the field of family therapy. Her published works included Feminist Family Therapy: A Casebook and Women and Power: Perspectives in Family Therapy. She had an extraordinary gift for listening, supporting, and healing others, and for making people feel genuinely seen and understood. Thelma Jean was deeply devoted to her family and brought warmth, humor, curiosity, and an unmistakable inner light to the people around her. She loved New York City, Broadway musicals, singing in the choir, dining out, and happily leaving the cooking to others. Her radiant smile was unforgettable and a signature expression of her grace and beauty. She is survived by her brother, Reverend Paul Goodrich; her sister, Lucy Papillon, Ph.D.; and her husband, Thomas Cole, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Spiritual Direction at Congregation Beth Israel. The night before their wedding in 2007, Paul gave a toast and wondered aloud how a Southern Methodist and a Northern Jew could come together. Without missing a beat, Tom replied, “God is an equal opportunity employer.” Thelma Jean found a spiritual home at Covenant Church, where she and Tom embraced the words of Reverend Laura Mayo: “Love Never Dies.” She leaves behind four children: Dolly Dawson Thomas, Dave Dawson, Kelly Ranucci, and Mila McManus, M.D.; eight grandchildren: Ally, Sophie, Connor, Tilley, Stella, Bridgy, Taylor, and Jackson; and four great-grandchildren: Cameron, Callahan, Coleman, and Lucas. She was preceded in death by her father, Bishop Robert E. Goodrich Jr.; her mother, Thelma Q. Goodrich; and her brother, Robert E. Goodrich III. A private family graveside was held. A memorial service will be held on August 29, 2026. Please check back for additional details.

Thelma Jean Goodrich

July 28, 1940 - August 13, 2026