Rachel Lou Goolsby

Rachel Lou Thurmond Goolsby, age 87, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, September 21, 2026.

Rachel was born on October 28, 1938, in Carnesville, Georgia, to the late Raymond and Nettie Poole Thurmond. She married John Narl Goolsby of Carnesville.

Rachel retired as a paraprofessional from the Gwinnett County School System. She was a charter member of Shadowbrook Baptist Church in Suwanee, Georgia. In her free time, she enjoyed playing golf, but most of all, she cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Goolsby; and her siblings, Bonnie (Horace) Goolsby, Douglas Thurmond, and John Thurmond.

She is survived by her two children, Eric (Julie) Goolsby of Carnesville and Claudia (Reiner) Rietig of Suwanee; grandchildren, Eli Goolsby and Siles Goolsby, both of Carnesville, Kristoff (Caddie) Rietig of Dallas, TX, and Gibson Rietig of Suwanee; great-grandchild, Annie Rietig; sister, Ellen Thurmond of Toccoa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Ginn Funeral Home on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Hunters Creek Baptist Church, with Rev. Ben Huff officiating.