Mary Helen Gooch

Mary Helen (Permenter) Gooch was received into Jesus’ arms on August 2, 2023, at 96 years of age. She was born December 19, 1926, in Jackson, TN, to Ruffin Gray Permenter and Myrtle Marie (Escue) Permenter.

Being a child of the Depression Era instilled the fighting spirit that sustained her throughout her life and made her a testimony of strength and determination.

Her favorite childhood memories are of working at the drugstore in Jackson, TN.

She married John Thomas Gooch, Jr. on Aug 14, 1948, and soon moved to Dallas, TX.

Together, they had three children. She taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church on Polk St. and had a career as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper at Oak Cliff Medical and Surgical Clinic.

She is survived by son, Michael Thomas Gooch (wife Veronica) and daughter, Julia Lynn Harstrom (husband Chris) and son, Gary Wayne Gooch.

She has six grandchildren: Damien (wife Erin), Matthew (wife Gaby), Dustin, Natalie (husband Itamar), Paul (wife Amber) and Jennifer (husband Roger).

She has thirteen great grandchildren: JT, Tyler, Addison, Sofia, Lila, Bodi, Mila, Dylan, Kelsey, Anna, Daniel, Simeon and Bella.

All who knew her were impacted by her love, kindness, hospitality and wit.

We will forever cherish our memories of her and the times we shared together.

May she rest in peace, sheltered in the arms of God.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Gooch family.