Jennifer Waddell Goodrich passed away July 31, 2025 at the age of 50, at her home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Jenni was born on October 23, 1974 in Columbus, Ohio to John and Becky Waddell.

She attended junior high school in Texas where she got her first horse, and graduated high school from Valley High School in Las Vegas, NV, where she would spend weekdays balancing school and her job as a vet tech at Warm Springs Animal hospital, and weekends team penning in Boulder City. Following high school, she pursued an education that supported her passion for agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jenni received a BS in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics in 1996 and another BS in Agricultural Education in 1999. She rounded out her education with a MS in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications in 2015.

Regardless of where she was living and working, whether as a Wrangler at ranches in Wyoming, a Farrowing Department Head at a pork production facility in North Carolina, or an Ag Extension Agent in Morgan County Tennessee, she touched the community and the people who lived there. She could always be found standing up for others and for what she felt was right and just.

Jenni loved teaching, and began her career as an educator teaching Ag at Clinton High School (including courses in welding, forestry, animal science and horticulture), where she earned Anderson County Teacher of the Year 2 times. She moved her teaching career to Pilot Rock, OR where she was a charter member of the Pilot Rock FFA, working for two years building and establishing an agricultural and FFA program which is still running strong today. Starting in 2008, Jenni dedicated 6 years to be a fulltime caregiver to her "superhero husband" (SGT, 82nd Airborne), where she developed her passion for veteran's advocacy. That passion for supporting our veterans continued through-out her life, including through her work with UT/TSU extension. In that venue she worked with programs such as AgrAbility and the Farmer Veteran Coalition, touching many lives. In 2018 Jenni helped launch the Eastern Branch of the Tennessee State University's New Farmer Academy, reaching and empowering new generations of farmers within our communities.

Jenni loved her family and her community, steadfastly supporting groups like 4H, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and AYSO Soccer. Jenni loved all things horses and outdoors and enjoyed sharing her passions with the world. Jenni was especially proud of her children, David Wyatt Goodrich and Laura Ann (Goodrich) Garland.

Jenni is survived by her son David Wyatt Goodrich (SGT, 101st Airborne); her daughter and son-in-law Laura Ann and Joe Garland; parents John and Becky Waddell; sisters Heather Lutz (Todd) and Anne Knighton; nieces (Rubie and Katee) and nephews (James and John) grandmother Orvalee Foster, and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. Jenni was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy Charles Goodrich, and her Grandparents John and Elizabeth Waddell and Roland Foster.

All are welcome and invited to attend a celebration of her life on August 5th at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, Clinton, Tennessee. Visitation will be from 5-7pm, with a service immediately to follow from 7-8 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Jenni and her dedication to the community through donations to support the youth, veterans or other community advocacy groups in your local area.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Goodrich family. www.holleygamble.com.