Major Claiborne Goode, 73, of Petersburg, Virginia departed this earthly life on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia. He was born on December 1, 1952, on Fort Lee, Virginia, to the late Willie Claiborne Goode, Jr. and Rosa Brown Goode.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Green; brothers, Charles E. and Chester L. Goode, Sr.; sister, Delores G. Wright; nephew, Corey Goode; niece, Sakinah Goode; and son-in-law, Ebiye Tunde Aye.

Major was a loving husband who was devoted to his family. He leaves behind Sharon General Goode, his beloved and cherished wife of forty-nine years. He was the proud father of D'Wanna G. Aye, Ashli K. Goode and Kelli D. Goode. He also treasured his sisters, Sarah G. Hardy and Shauna G. Walker, who shared in his joys and memories over the years.

One of Major's greatest joys was being a grandfather. He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jazmyn Dew, Jonathan Aye, Jamari Goode, Marcus (Jamel) Coblyn, Shiyana Smith, Chosen Wyche, Cameron Goode, Italy' Wyche and one great grandson, Malachi Simms. Also left cherishing his memory is his niece, De'Angela Anthony; nephews, Thomas Wright, Jr. and Chester L. Goode, Jr., Shawn and Deva Goode and De'Von Anthony; great nieces, great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends as well as his sister-in-law, Sue Layton (Willie).

Major graduated from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, Virginia. There, he was on the Wrestling team and he sang in the Concert Choir. His passion for music was a vibrant part of who he was. During that time, he became a member of "The Soul Rappers" which was renamed "The Soul Sensations" where he played the Congos. Major, aka "Maceo", was dedicated to his gifted crafts along with other members of the band. He called them his "Soul Brothers": Carlton and Larry Edwards, Robert and Michael Gray, Ronald and Donald Bell, Richard Spikes, Ronnie Buck, Mark Pearson and the late William Smith, Jr.

A United States Army Veteran, Major served his country with honor. He retired from Chesterfield County where he was respected, not only for his work ethic but also for the kindness and respect he showed to others.

Major lives on in the hearts of those he loved and the many lives he touched with his gentle spirit. He leaves a legacy of love, humor and a quiet strength that will forever be cherished by all that knew him.

A service of love and reflection will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, December 18, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Marvin Warner, officiant. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.