Bessie "BayBay" Gooch

Bessie “BayBay” Gooch, age 54, of Whitesboro, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 5, 2010 when she passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of her home. Born in Water Valley, Mississippi, on June 4, 1955, Bessie is the daughter of Robert L. and Bessie M. (Hervey) Gooch. As a teenager she relocated to Utica where she continued her education, graduating from Utica Free Academy. A veteran of the U.S. Army, she served her country stateside as an airplane dispatcher from 1973-1975. As a loving mom, Bessie sacrificed in many ways to raise her family. She instilled in her children enduring values and bonds of relationships. Dedicated and caring, she maintained an open home policy and participated in their lives and activities. She embraced and supported their special moments and was always by their side. She was a woman of great strength of character and her siblings recalled the strong impact she had upon them. Bessie was also a woman of faith, a true believer, and a spirited Baptist. She was admired for her unmatched understanding and unsurpassed trust, which were the key ingredients to her undying loyalty. For recreation, she enjoyed playing bingo and games of chance at the casino. Bessie is survived by her daughter, Tanisha Taylor; and her son, Markus Taylor both of Whitesboro; her mother Bessie Gooch, and her father Robert Gooch; and her grandchildren, Thaddeus, Ronall, and Kyziah. Survivors also include her sisters and brothers-in-law, Leberta and Clinton Hammett of Utica, and Jennifer Gooch and Lawrence of TX; her brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Cynthia Gooch of TX, Larry Gooch, Fred Gooch and Della, and Lester Gooch, all of Utica, and Christopher and Christine Gooch of TX; aunt Zelma Brown and Uncle Walter Hervey; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her lifelong friend, Betty Carter. She was predeceased by her uncles, Clemet, and Ramson, and her longtime friend, Sally Brebrey. The family extends sincere thanks to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Emergency Room staff, home health aide Jackie Ford, and the personnel of the Visiting Nurse Association. All were of great comfort and support to Bessie and her family. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Bessie’s Home Going Celebration with Military Honors will commence on Friday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery on Saturday.

Bessie "BayBay" Gooch

June 4, 1955 - March 5, 2010