Obituary: Margaret Ann Claunch
Margaret Ann Claunch ~ November 5, 1947 – March 15, 2023
On March 15, 2023, the world lost a feisty, incredibly loving woman who left the world better than she found it. Margaret Ann Claunch (known as Mimaw to those who loved her most) was born on November 5, 1947, and died peacefully to the sounds of Vince Gill, surrounded by her family.
A die-hard Titans fan, Margaret spent many Sundays cheering on AJ Brown, Derrick Henry, and company, decked out in her Titans’ gear. But as much as she loved the Titans, nothing could compare to the love she had for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. On any given Friday during most of the 1990s and 2000s, you would see Margaret burning up Old Highway 64 in “Mimaw’s Explorer,” headed to get her grandchildren and take them back to her house for a weekend of fishing, cards, games, and movies. Mimaw was highly competitive (especially at dominos and cards) and taught each grandkid (and great grandkid) that winning only mattered when you worked hard, and earned it for yourself. For Mimaw, winning was even better when it came from a hot slot machine with a cold beer in hand.
Margaret lived most of her life in Hardeman County, working various professions and in a number of restaurants. She was a fabulous cook, and it is likely that most of the county enjoyed her homestyle meals at one time or another. For her family, no Thanksgiving was complete without Mimaw’s famous chicken-n-dressing and banana split cake. When asking her about her recipes, she would say “I don’t know babe; I just do it.”
Margaret was happiest outside in the sun. She loved warm weather, camping with her friends, gardening, fishing, bird watching, and attending sporting events. But her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She was never happier than when her house was full of people she loved, Santa decor, and family traditions. Her infectious smile was never bigger than when she was buying, wrapping, and giving gifts to those she loved and if anyone suggested she was giving too much – she would say with a big smile, “But it’s Christmas!”
While her family is deeply saddened by her passing and are struggling with how to cope in a world without her, they know she would tell them they can do it because “can’t never could.” Her family takes comfort knowing she “loved them bunches” and that she is now in Heaven with Jesus, her Daddy, her siblings, Heath, Buttercup, and other close family and friends that passed on before her.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings. She is survived by her children, Harold Gooch (Susan) and Cindy Gooch (Pat Burke); her grandchildren, Alex Hollowell (Ben), Hunter Gooch (Sabrina), and Harrison Gooch (Katie); and her great grandchildren, Lola Grace Simons and, Henley and Harper Hollowell; and many other family members.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Searcy, Arkansas at 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Trinity Baptist Church in Bolivar, Tennessee at 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow, for all who loved her, at El Guadalajara Restaurant on Market Street in Bolivar, Tennessee.
As a single mom from humble beginnings, Margaret made it her mission to give the best life she could to her children and grandchildren. Because of her love and commitment to family, her legacy will live on in them. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the “Mimaw Gooch Memorial Fund for Single Moms” through 100 Families in Searcy.
Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy, Arkansas.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
