Susan Jones Gooch

Born in Saluda, SC, Susie attended the University of Georgia and received her B.S, M.Ed., and Ed.S. degrees in Education. Her academic studies focused on recreation, disability education, and adapted physical activity. Susie met her husband, Tom, during graduate school at the University of Georgia and they married in 1970 in Athens, GA.

Susie pursued her passion of advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities and mental illness and served as a human resource administrator at the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital for 34 years. In this role, she ensured the civil rights and treatment of patients were upheld in accordance with federal and state laws through regulatory and advocacy efforts. Further, she oversaw training and development that focused on hospital staff and medical professionals providing appropriate and adequate services to patients that aligned with established policies and procedures. Her commitment to advocacy and patient rights had a major impact on the experiences of patients throughout her career.

Outside of her career, Susie exhibited a love for cats, and often took in many stray cats over the years who became part of her family. She also enjoyed being outdoors and spent much of time gardening and birdwatching. Her other hobbies were cross stitch, embroidery, and sewing, which included making dolls for her children. Susie was a wonderful mother not only to her four children but also to her grandsons, Jake and Justin, whom she adopted after their mother’s passing. She was immensely dedicated as a mother in raising these two sons, caring for and offering support, wisdom, and love to them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Rudolph Jones; brother, James Jones; brother, Ferd Jones; husband, Tom Gooch; daughter, Holli Gooch. Survivors include her son, Tom (Deborah) Gooch of Watkinsville, GA; daughter, Emmie Gooch of Athens, GA; daughter, Betsy Gooch of Cartersville, GA; sons, Jake and Justin Gooch of Cartersville, GA; grandson, Zachary (Sara) Griffith of Cartersville, GA; grandson, Dylan Gooch of Watkinsville, GA; granddaughter, Holli Bennett of Athens, GA; granddaughters, Audrey and Ava Moon of Watkinsville; great-grandson, Gibson Griffith of Cartersville, GA; sister, Clara (Dave) Johnson of Woburn, MA; brother, Rudy (Mara) Jones of Fayetteville, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A private service is planned for Saturday, June 22, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation of a potted plant be made to honor Susie’s love of gardening. She was particularly fond of hydrangeas, azaleas, and daffodils. Donations can be dropped off or delivered to Owen Funeral Home at 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120.