Locust Fork Resident Shares Personal Story on Importance of Life Insurance
Locust Fork, AL – A community member is shedding light on the significance of life insurance through her personal experience. Kristy Goodwin, a long-time employee at Protective Life Insurance, recently spoke at a town hall meeting, sharing her journey and how losing her brother changed her perspective on life and insurance.
A Take-Charge Kind of Person
Born and raised in the town of Corner, just north of Birmingham, Kristy Goodwin has always been a proactive individual. At 19, she began working at Protective, where her passion for helping people has been a defining feature of her career. As she reflects on her journey, she emphasizes that it was not until she experienced the pain of losing her younger brother that she truly understood the value of life insurance.
A Life-Changing Loss
Seven years ago, Kristy’s brother Michael, a 38-year-old divorced father of two, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away unexpectedly. Kristy recounted the difficult experience of notifying and managing the details surrounding his death. “It was my responsibility to take care of his final expenses,” she said. Thankfully, she discovered that he had life insurance in place, which provided some comfort during a difficult time. “That peace of mind gave me the opportunity to grieve and spend more time comforting his children than worrying about how we were going to take care of things,” she explained.
Growing Through Grief
After the loss of her brother, Kristy returned to her job at Protective with a renewed sense of purpose. “I walked back through the doors at Protective with so much more passion and enthusiasm for the work,” she shared. Realizing how her brother had planned for the future emphasized the importance of being prepared for the uncertainties of life. She encourages others to consider the potential impacts on their loved ones and to take proactive steps in securing their families’ financial futures.
An Inspiring Transformation
Kristy also underwent a personal transformation that complemented her professional journey. At the time of her brother’s passing, she weighed 325 pounds. After undergoing weight loss surgery, she lost an impressive 167 pounds. This life-changing decision further motivated her to protect her family. “It was that shock for me of ‘it’s time, girl—get ahold of yourself,’” she reflected.
Helping Others Through Service
At Protective, Kristy shifted into a position focused on assisting clients who have experienced loss. This new role has allowed her to expand her exposure and better serve those in need by supporting the claims process. “I wanted to grow and be a better employee,” she noted, reinforcing her commitment to helping others during difficult times.
A Message to the Community
Kristy’s story serves as a powerful reminder that life is unpredictable and that preparation can make a significant difference. “I don’t believe in accidents. Everything happens for a reason. I’m where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” she remarked with conviction. Her experience shines a light on the importance of securing one’s family’s financial future through life insurance.
Community Engagement
As a devoted member of Love’s Crossings Church of God, Kristy also teaches a college and career class and recently began making jewelry, donating the proceeds to Eagles Wings Ministries, a charity supporting women in recovery.
Through her various roles, Kristy Goodwin is not only impacting lives at Protective but also making a difference in her community. Her message is clear: life insurance is an essential part of planning for the future.
