Judge Goodwine was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. She moved to lexington in November of 1979 to begin a career in the legal profession as a court reporter. She enrolled in the University of Kentucky in January of 1980 to begin her undergraduate studies. Despite many tragedies and obstacles, Judge Goodwine graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky in 1991. She continued her graduate studies at the University of Kentucky College of Law and graduated in 1994 with a Juris Doctorate degree. Upon graduating from law school, Judge Goodwine was employed byt he law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs. She practiced law from May of 1994 until her appointment to the bench in August of 1999. Judge Goodwine became the first African American female to be appointed to the bench in Fayette County and subsequently elected. She will complete the unexpired term. Judge Goodwine formerly chaired the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights and also served as a commissioner of the agency for three years. While serving as a commissioner with the Kentucky Human Rights Commission, Judge Goodwine became a certified hearing officer. Judge Goodwine continues to serve on various boards and commissions in Fayette County, including Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, Lexington Network, Networded!, One Parent House, the Lexington-Fayette County Urban League and Operation Read.

Judge Goodwine is married to Mr. Lee A. Padgett, Jr. They have two children and four grandchildren.