Iva Maud Stone (8 Apr 1936 - 24 Aug 2023)

In loving memory of Iva Maud Stone who sadly passed away on 24th August 2023

Iva Maud Gooden, was born to Mr Edward Gooden (Mas Eddie) and Mrs Julie Gooden, 8 April, 1936, in Beaufort, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Iva was a sibling of Rupert, Sybil and Hilma. She was often found working down backland with her father and older brother Rupert. She later went to Kingston where she learned to sew freehand, dressmaking without patterns. She was called home urgently, in time to be there when her mother passed away in her arms.

She later went to seek a good life in England, where she was able to meet Mr George Stone.

They later married, and had two girls Jennifer and Sadie. She worked as a nursing auxiliary at Sherwood Hospital, where she was monumental in getting maternity leave for herself and other colleagues. 

After hurting her back, she was forced to leave her beloved profession. She volunteered her services in many ways. She was a founder member of the Nottingham Sickle Cell Society. She lobbied Nottingham City Council for the disabled to have ramps, and access to places. With her efforts in support of the disabled, she was invited, and attended the House of Commons.

She was saddened by the lack of competitive fares to Jamaica, and took it upon herself to contact Richard Branson to encourage him to get Virgin Airlines to make regular flights to Jamaica. He did contact her back.

She was raised to be a foot soldier for Christ, and was always recruiting people for her church, up until the end.