Mary Anne (Raines) Goslen

Dr. Mary Anne Raines Goslen, age 90, of Greensboro went to rest with her heavenly family on February 1, 2025. Family was important to Mary Anne. Born on April 25, 1934, in Washington, DC, Mary Anne moved with her parents and brother, George, to multiple military bases when growing up following her father’s naval career as a psychiatrist.

While getting her undergraduate degree in English from Salem College in 1955, she met her husband of 50 years, Frank Goslen (deceased), with whom she raised 4 children: Ben, Clif, Ted (deceased), and Katie Jo. They were her favorite students because Mary Anne was a teacher at heart. She taught first by example, allowing her children to follow their dreams guided by her wisdom and warnings. She taught them how to be thrifty by mixing powdered milk with water and placing it in previously purchased milk cartons, until she was caught red handed by Clif.

Once Mary Anne’s children were well steeped in their education, she decided it was her turn, achieving her Master’s of Education degree in 1972 and her Doctor’s of Philosophy degree in 1989 – the same year her youngest completed her college degree. No doubt the powdered-milk trick was somewhere in her dissertation.

Upon graduating she became a counselor, helping others learn life’s lessons. Then, after a brief stint as a college professor, she decided to become a Realtor – helping others to achieve the joy of home life. Rising to the upper ranks in real estate, she served as president of the Women’s Council of Realtors offering guidance to those that needed her help.  But her most cherished teaching position was that of Sunday School teacher at Lawndale Baptist Church where she was a charter member.

Mary Anne’s home was important to her. This was where her family gathered for holidays and where she received friends throughout the year. It was also where her dear friend, LaShon Dorsey, stayed with her and held her hand as she walked to the banks of the Jordan River, where her beloved grandson, Neil (Ben & Julie), was waiting on the other side to welcome her. And it was in her home where she passed, teaching us not only with her life but with her death how to truly live. 

Mary Anne is survived by: brother George Raines; sons Ben Goslen and Clif Goslen; daughter Katie Jo (Goslen) Icenhower, daughters-in-law Julie (Ben) Goslen, Roberta (Clif) Goslen, and Leah (Ted) Goslen; son-in-law Scott Icenhower; grandchildren Allen (Ben & Julie), Thaddeus, and Caleb (Ted & Leah); second husband Marion Dail.

Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Lawndale Baptist Church. Visitation will follow immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to AuthoraCare Collective whose hospice care eased Mary Anne’s final days.

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