Obituaries

Obituary: Mary Kay Gooch

Mary Kay Gooch ~ September 22, 1952 – August 16, 2023 (age 70)

Mary Kay Gooch 70, of Bolivar, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Mrs. Gooch was known for her big heart. Throughout her life, she cared for many foster children, exchange students, and was a leader with the Cub Scouts. She was also known for being good with her hands, sewing, quilting, and even practicing taxidermy. Currently, a member at First Baptist Church in Whiteville, she also attended Parrans Chapel Baptist Church while bringing up her two sons, and was active with Vacation Bible School.  

She was born in Rockwood, Illinois, on September 22, 1952, to Allen and Margaret Whittemore Henley. Mrs. Gooch was reared in the New Castle area and lived most of her adult life in Bolivar.  

Survivors include her two sons, Kevin Gooch and wife Sherrie of Red Banks, Mississippi, and Mark Gooch and wife Michelle of Bolivar; a granddaughter, Brianna Gooch and her fiancé, Dawson Simmons, of Nashville; a sister, Sharon McQueen, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and a brother, Allen Gene Henley, and his wife, Toy, of Middleton. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Pam Kilpatrick and Peggy Cannon; and her twin brother, Barry Ray Henley.

The family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or First Baptist Church of Whiteville.

Graveside services will be held at Bethany Cemetery near Whiteville on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar is in charge of the services.

Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.


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