Patricia Timmons-Goodson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat Timmons-Goodson
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| Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court | |
| In office February 6, 2006 – December 12, 2012 |
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| Appointed by | Mike Easley |
| Preceded by | Sarah Parker |
| Succeeded by | Cheri Beasley |
| Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals | |
| In office February 21, 1997 – 2005 |
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| Appointed by | Jim Hunt |
| Preceded by | Clifton Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Linda Stephens |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Patricia Ann Timmons
September 18, 1954 Florence, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ernest Goodson |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (AB, JD) Duke University (LLM) |
Patricia Ann "Pat" Timmons-Goodson (born September 18, 1954) is an American judge and politician. She served as a judge on the highest court in North Carolina, the North Carolina Supreme Court, from 2006 to 2012. She was also part of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, which works to protect people's rights.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Pat Timmons-Goodson was born in Florence, South Carolina. Her father was in the U.S. Army, so she grew up on military bases in different places, including Europe. She went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a degree in speech in 1976. Later, she studied law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, getting her law degree in 1979. In 2014, she earned another advanced law degree from Duke University School of Law.
Pat Timmons-Goodson was inspired to become a judge after meeting Judge Elreta Alexander-Ralston in 1974. Judge Alexander-Ralston was the first Black judge Pat had ever met. Her powerful words and elegant style made a big impression. In 2012, Pat Timmons-Goodson wrote a special article about Judge Alexander-Ralston, helping more people learn about her important work.
A Career in Law and Justice
Pat Timmons-Goodson started her career helping with the U.S. Census in 1979. From 1981 to 1983, she worked as a prosecutor, which means she helped the government bring cases against people accused of crimes. She then worked for a legal services group, helping people who needed legal advice.
Becoming a Judge
In 1984, Pat Timmons-Goodson became a judge for the Cumberland County District Court. She was elected by voters to keep this job for several four-year terms. In 1997, Governor Jim Hunt appointed her to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions made by lower courts. She worked there until 2005.
Serving on the Supreme Court
On January 19, 2006, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley appointed Pat Timmons-Goodson to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. When she took her seat in February 2006, she made history. She became the first African-American woman to serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Voters chose her to stay on the court in November 2006. She decided to leave her position in November 2012. Judge Cheri Beasley was then appointed to take her place.
In 2010, Pat Timmons-Goodson was honored by being inducted into the North Carolina Women's Hall of Fame. In 2014, President Barack Obama appointed her to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. She also served as the Vice Chair of this important commission.
Running for Congress
In 2019, Pat Timmons-Goodson decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. She wanted to represent North Carolina's 8th congressional district. This district included parts of seven counties. In the election in November 2020, she ran against the Republican leader Richard Hudson. She did not win the election.
Work in Academia
On July 1, 2023, Pat Timmons-Goodson was named the Dean of North Carolina Central University School of Law. She retired from that position in 2025.
Personal Life
Pat Timmons-Goodson is a member of The Links, an organization of professional women.
See also
Images for kids
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Pat Timmons-Goodson with Senator Joe Sam Queen in 2006.
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