[1] She was known for her work as a solo performer and as a member of the Happy Goodman Family—which originated with her husband and his brothers and sisters—one of the pioneering groups in southern gospel music.

Along with Howard's two brothers Sam and Rusty, they became known as The Happy Goodman Family, helping pave the way for Southern gospel music during the 1960s.

With the formation of Word Records in the early 1960s, Vestal and The Happy Goodman Family were the flagship artists signed to the company.

It details her life in Southern gospel music, her heart problems, her subsequent bout with cancer and her struggle with prescription drug addiction.

Howard Goodman died on November 30, 2002, after the couple made a farewell recording and singing tour dubbed "The Final Stand."

Vestal Goodman died at the age of 74 of complications from influenza while on Christmas vacation in Florida with her family.