Obituary of Ta'Leon Goffney

Ta’Leon T. Goffney was born in Camden, New Jersey on April 8th, 1982 where he lived most of his childhood. Teyon was a daring, adventurous child, who enjoyed nature, martial arts, and drawing. In 3rd grade he came in 1st place in a national spelling bee, beating out several top school districts. Throughout his youth, Teyon always excelled at whatever he put his mind to. He was big fan of Bruce Lee and Mortal Kombat. He mimicked, practiced, and self taught himself moves equal to that of a ninja’s agility. He later competed in local martial arts competitions, and even as a brown belt he was able to defeat black belts in tournaments. We remember when he brought home a trophy as tall as he was and we could see the big smile, and sense of accomplishment on his face for weeks. During this time, he realized that whatever he put his mind to he could do it and succeed. As a young adult Teyon set out in the world to find himself. Determined, Ambitous, and Unguided, Teyon learned about life the hard way. Ta’Leon moved to New York, where he acted, modeled, and worked as a stunt double, and became an author of his own biography. When he became a father, he turned his life around for the better and went to trade school at Penco Tech, for H.V.A.C. and appliance repair. After graduating he started his own furniture moving and assembly company, Leon’s Assembly Service, LLC. In the beginning he took on small jobs, even used craigslist as a source of procuring work. However on a job site, a client recognized and noticed his hard work ethic, and go him in touch with company who partnered with Ta’Leon to get him big commercial clientele. His self made company grew as he secured commercial clients where he build and installed for high end commercial department stores such as Michael Kors, Apple, Tiffany & Co., Ivy Park, and many others. During his success, he employed many of his family members, and gave opportunities to troubled youth, and those who had a hard time finding work. Teyon always looked out for others, especially those in need of help. He always said. “I know what it’s like to be them. I know what it’s like to have nothing. I never expected handouts from anyone. I built up my life and my company up from the mud up”. The biggest loves of his life were his two boys Eli and Noah, He knew what it was like to grow up without a father, so he made sure he was the best father he could be. A year and two months before his death he complained about stomach pains. With further examination, doctors later discovered he had stage 4 stomach cancer, which spread to other organs in his body. During the last year of his life Teyon fought hard with every muscle, every resource, and every dollar to stay alive for his boys. Sadly on February 20, 2021, Ta’Leon lost his life to the battle with cancer. Despite his rapid decline, he would tell us, “I’m going to beat this! I’m going to stay alive for my boys. I’ve survived too much to be taken out by cancer”. Even during his suffering, he still had the hope and the will of champion. His final days were very hard and hurtful, but he still put others before his pain. Ta’Leon was able to bring the family back together as we stood by his side, doing whatever was needed to give him another day. The night before his final day alive, weak, with a low soft voice, he repeated, “Mom I love you, Mom I love you. Robbie look out for the family. Keyon look out for my kids. As the three of us held his hands in tears, he knew he could let go and that we would keep this promise. Ta’Leon T. Goffney leaves to mourn his two sons Elias Paul Goffney and Noah Prince Goffney, His mother, Towana Goffney, his step father Gerald Carstarphen, his twin brother, Keyontyli Goffney, and two younger brothers Robert and Gerael Goffney, and his one and only sister Shakiya Goffney, and nieces Zyaisha and Kaleasha, and nephews Zyaire and Krishawn, and a host aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Overall Teyon’s life was a life of courage, determination, compassion, inspiration, he was our family’s modern day superhero and we will miss dearly. The Goffney family lost a real one, we lost a body, but we gained an angel.