Blanche Juanita Goodman, 83; Journalist, Social Worker

Blanche Juanita Goodman, a pioneering black journalist who became a Los Angeles probation officer, has died. She was 83.

A native of Kansas City and graduate of the University of Kansas, Mrs. Goodman worked as an editor and columnist for the Los Angeles Sentinel, which was founded by her brother, Leon H. Washington Jr. She also worked for the Kansas City Call, one of the nation’s oldest black weeklies.

Mrs. Goodman inherited a share of the Sentinel when her brother died, and was involved in a protracted probate battle over the estate. Her claim was settled out of court, and she relinquished any interest in the newspaper.

After studying at the Boston School of Social Work, Mrs. Goodman--who died Tuesday in Los Angeles--became a social worker in Kansas City and Los Angeles. When she retired in 1974, she was a Los Angeles County probation officer.

She is survived by her son, George W. Goodman, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Vermont Square Methodist Church, 4410 S. Budlong Ave.

Her son has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Vermont Square Social Service Fund.