Greenwood Soul Mates – Tish Goodman
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
Our latest Soul Mate’s story begins in Greenwood and spans a couple of generations. Tish Goodman, Real Estate Broker and Owner of Bowie Realty, doesn’t just call this place home. She describes it as a living, breathing essence of community, shaped by the people. For a lifelong resident whose roots run deep through its soil, Greenwood is more than a hometown; it’s an enduring relationship. It’s a space where love for people, history and progress converge.
“It’s the people,” she says, reflecting on her favorite thing about Greenwood. “We’re all unique, but we share this love for Greenwood. We chose to be here.”
That shared love is the thread connecting her diverse friendships, whether forged through church, civic organizations or the shared memory of growing up together.
“Each person brings something valuable to the table,” she adds, “but the underlying commonality is their collective passion for this community.”
Tish’s parents moved to Greenwood from North Mississippi. Her mother taught school for 35 years and her dad was a banker, turned real estate agent, who laid a foundation for her career. I was born and raised in Greenwood,” she shares proudly. “My dad was always my biggest cheerleader.”
Tish recounted how he encouraged her to pursue real estate during her time in Oxford, Mississippi, the home of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) That encouragement evolved into a thriving career, one that has kept her anchored to her hometown for over 30 years.
Tish, who graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Agriculture and Home economics (interior design), followed her then-husband to Oxford while he earned his law degree.
“My dad’s friend was a real estate professor at Ole Miss, so he encouraged me to take classes while I lived there,” she said. “So that’s where it all began. I never thought I’d use any of it, and then I got certified and worked with my dad at a Coldwell Banker office. I closed a million dollars’ worth of property in my first six months and here I am 30 years later.”
Tish and her dad left Coldwell Banker together in 2000 and started Bowie Realty and acted as co-owners over the years. Sadly, her dad passed in September 2024, but there’s not a day that goes by where she doesn’t think of him.
When asked about what shaped her approach to leadership, she points to her father’s words: “Don’t ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.” This philosophy has guided her in every role, from leading Rotary Club to managing rental properties. “I’m hands-on,” she emphasizes. “If I’m asking for help, I’m going to be right there working alongside everyone, and that’s just about what you will find from everyone in Greenwood.”
Now she tries to instill those characteristics in her only daughter, who left Greenwood when she got married, moved to Cleveland, Mississippi and is the Marketing Director for Mississippi Gift Company.
“Even though she flew the coop to Cleveland, it’s still close to home,” she said. “I also have a brother who is a pilot in Brandon, Mississippi. But all of that is drivable to Greenwood, and that makes it special too. Greenwood sits in a perfect spot in the Delta.”
As Tish says, along with many other Soul Mates, Greenwood thrives on its generosity. From church initiatives to community events, there’s an ever-present willingness to roll up sleeves and pitch in. Recently, Tish has been involved with the Community Kitchen, which serves meals to those in need. When the iconic Crystal Grill closed, it was donated to the kitchen, an act that encapsulates Greenwood’s spirit of giving.
“Greenwood is a very generous town,” she notes.
Her work with managing low-income properties has become a labor of love and shows her tender side. “I get attached to my clients,” she admits. “This personal connection isn’t just about business—it’s about ensuring fairness and offering help whenever it’s needed. Treating everyone fairly is important to me.”When asked how she convinces others to visit Greenwood, her answer is simple: “All I know is once you get them here, they’ll love it.”
She mentions Greenwood’s charm — vibrant events, like the annual Christmas parade, flavorful and festive restaurants that showcase Southern hospitality, and its sunsets over the river.
“Once someone comes to our Christmas parade, they’ll keep coming back,” she says. “It’s the closest thing we get to Mayberry. We love our tourists! We will run into out-of-towners at a happy hour. If they don’t ask us a question, we’ll ask them one, and the conversation starts. Next thing you know they are coming back to Greenwood every year.”
She jokes about her work-life balance. “I can’t balance anything and even worse is I always keep all the balls in the air, and I don’t know how to juggle. I’m also an empty nester so I work hard, play hard and do a lot of things at night,” she said.
But like many other community heroes in Greenwood, she doesn’t stay in one place long. She goes to book club and garden club. In fact, Tish said if there’s a club in Greenwood, she’s probably been a part of it. She also keeps up with her Mississippi State sports on the weekends.
“I will always be glued to State sports, especially football and baseball. But I just found out we are the champions of frisbee golf? Who knew? So, I guess I’ll start paying attention to that too.”
Beyond its attractions, Greenwood resonates on a deeper level for Tish.
“The word ‘soul’ means energy to me,” she explains. “Not a specific kind, just a connection — whether it’s between people or between me and Greenwood.”
This energy fuels her dedication, whether she’s planning an event, managing properties or simply walking her dog through the same neighborhood she grew up in.
“It’s home,” she says. “Walking down Howard Street or into my church on Sunday morning gives me this incredible sense of security.”
From serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce to being involved in her church and civic clubs, she’s made it her mission to uplift her community. “I do a lot,” she admits, “maybe too much.” Yet, the energy she pours into Greenwood reflects the energy it gives back to her.
When asked to sum up Greenwood in one word, her answer comes instantly: “Home.” This single word perfectly explains not just her own experiences, but the collective sentiment of a town that embraces its residents like family.
“It’s the people,” she reiterates. “They are the Heart and Soul of Greenwood. Their love and generosity make this place special.”
For her, Greenwood’s essence is its connection—between neighbors, between past and present, and between the energy that fuels progress and the deep roots that keep its people grounded. Greenwood offers a sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else.
In her words, “The energy we give to whatever we’re doing to promote Greenwood — that’s what makes it special.”
It’s a sentiment that captures not just her love for Greenwood, but the enduring spirit of a town that lives through the hearts of its people.
Looking for exciting things to do around Greenwood? Check out a day in Tish’s life.
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