Virginia Dare Gooch

Virginia Dare Gooch, 84, of Marion, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 7:45 am at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

Virginia was born January 28, 1936 in Crab Orchard the daughter of Fitz H. and Eva M. (Sweet) Odom.  She married Dennis Dean Gooch on February 4, 1961 in Spillertown and together they shared 54 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on January 16, 2015.

She was a member of Spillertown Baptist Church, and for the last few years attended the Marion Community of Christ in Marion  with her granddaughter and family.  Before she and Dennis started a family Virginia work for GTE.  She lived for her family, she loved family vacations and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Virginia loved the adventures of going on Jeep rides with her grandson.

Survivors include her daughter – Crystal Wright of Marion, five grandchildren; Jody (Tammy) Wright of Marion, Amy (Jim) Lambert of Marion, Nathan (Jessica) Wright of Clarksville, Tennessee, Zackary Melcher of Carterville, Tylir Buie of Marion.  Nine great grandchildren; Cadynce Wright, Ginna Ragan, Haylee, Ella and James Robert Lambert, Jr., Gage, Kaiden, and Briceton Richardson and Jaiden Melcher.  Brother – Gary Odom of Galatia and sister-in-law – Jackie Odom of O’Fallon, Missouri.

Preceded by her Parents, husband – Dennis Dean Gooch, son – Dennis W. Gooch, two infant sons – Dennis Dean Gooch, Jr., Dallas Steven Gooch, two brothers – Ted Odom, Stan Odom and sister – Erma Arnold.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 13, 2020 at 11 am at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Jim Lambert officiating.  Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 – 8 pm at the funeral home and again on Friday from 10 am until the time of service.

For those who prefer memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois  62959.