Vestal Goodman, known as the “Queen of Gospel Music” by her peers, died Saturday, December 27 at 11:PM EST from complications of the flu. She was 74 years old.

Born Vestal Freeman in the town of Fyffe, Alabama, Goodman had desired to study for the Metropolitan Opera at an early age, but her upbringing in church life led Goodman to shift her focus to gospel music. A chance meeting at a local tent revival introduced her to Howard Goodman, and their union led to one of gospel music’s most successful vocal groups.

In a music career that spanned over five decades, Goodman became one of the most revered and honored singers in her genre. As part of the Happy Goodman Family, she was one of the founding members of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), and had recently been informed that she was going to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in the spring of 2004. The Happy Goodmans were inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame in 1998.

Goodman was spending Christmas with her family in Florida when she passed away. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Howard Goodman, who passed away in November of last year. Goodman is survived by her son Rick, daughter Vicki, four grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 31 at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. in Nashville, from 6-8:PM. On Thursday, January 1, there will be another visitation at 10:AM, followed by a memorial service at 1:PM. Burial will follow at Christ Church Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Goodman Rose Garden Bench in care of Christ Church Memorial Gardens.

For further information on Vestal Goodman, visit www.vestalandfriends.com.

Editor's note: Though CMCentral does not typically cover Southern Gospel music or news, this is one we simply couldn't not publish. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Goodman family during this time. We will always remember Mrs. Goodman for her contributions to Christian Music, and for her outspoken yet kindhearted spirit. She will be greatly missed.