Betty Gouch's Obituary
Betty Davis Gouch, age 78, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord, surrounded by her family, at her home, on Saturday, May 27, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born on January 2, 1945, in Oxford, North Carolina, the first of three children of the late James and Eleanor Davis.
She is survived by John, her husband of almost 52 years; her children, Ginger Walford (Sam) of Marvin, NC; John Gouch, Jr. (Shannon) of Belmont, NC; Charles Gouch (Katherine) of Greenville, SC; and Emilie Beigle (Jon) of Charlotte, NC. She was affectionately known as “MeMaw” to her 18 grandchildren: William, Elizabeth, Andrew, Christopher, Carolina, and Peter Walford; Faith, Jack, James, and Davis Gouch; Caroline, Charlie, Mary Eleanor, Andrew, and Grace Gouch; and Adeline, Emma, and Jonathan Beigle. Betty is also survived by her younger brother, Mike Davis of Hickory, NC, and her younger sister, Peggy Canterbury of Granite Falls, NC.
Betty was a tireless servant of the Lord, giving selflessly of her time and talents. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, encourager, mentor and friend to many. She served in each role intentionally, whole-heartedly, and with excellence, as her service was to the Lord. In 1953, at the age of 8, Betty made what she considered to be her life’s most important decision, accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior at a revival in a tobacco warehouse in Oxford, North Carolina. In 1967, Betty graduated from Mars Hill College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She then completed her Master of Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1971, followed by her Principal Certification at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1973. Betty taught first and second grades between 1967 and 1976, before retiring from education to stay home with her children and provide a supportive role to her husband, John, in their many business ventures.
She was an active member in her community and enjoyed volunteering in her local Rotary Club for over 20 years, as well as serving as president-elect and president during two of those years.
Betty was a loyal and active member of her beloved Northside Baptist Church from 1969 until the time of her death: singing in the choir; serving in the nursery, children’s ministries, Awana, Ladies’ ministry; and, later, volunteering in the Senior Adult Ministry and hospitality ministries. On any given Sunday morning, she could be found faithfully serving in the welcome center, greeting guests and members with coffee and doughnuts.
Betty was an excellent seamstress, avid gardener, fabulous cook, and enthusiastic travel companion. She loved using her creative talents to help those in need. She excelled at giving gifts and encouraging others with notes and wonderful stories. Betty had a special talent for turning ordinary events into extra special occasions. Her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and even acquaintances were the beneficiaries. As an enthusiastic travel companion, Betty traveled with John and their children and many of her grandchildren to all 50 states and over 30 countries; but her favorite place in all the world was “home” with her family by her side.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 1 beginning at 8:30 am at Northside Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am. The graveside service and burial will begin immediately afterwards at Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, located adjacent to Northside at 1504 West Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262. Following the burial, between 12 noon and 2:00 pm, all are invited for a luncheon and time of sharing memories in the Fine Arts Center at Northside Baptist Church.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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