Betty Joe Needham

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Grover W. Needham; dear, eldest granddaughter, Maryann Elizabeth; daughter-in-law, Gayle Gouge; sister-in-law, Margie Needham; and brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Evans.

She is survived by her sister, Mahdeen Evans; children, Debra (Jeff) May, Steve (Gayle) Gouge, Jim (Jeanine) Gouge, Laura (Roy) Pitrucha, and Stacy (Frank) Drake; grandchildren, Becky (Chris) Moffett, Vicky Gouge, Jeannie (Lance) Delaney, Michael (Misty) Carder, Chris Gouge, Jennifer Gouge, Katy Gouge, James (Farrah) Gouge, Michael (Whitney) Gouge, Rachel (Neil) Barbour, Johnathon (Jacquelyn) Gouge, Matthew Pitrucha, Jack (Brittany) Gouge, Daniel Pitrucha, Alex Drake, Madi Drake, and Grace Drake; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many loving friends.

In addition to her given name, Betty, she was best known as Mom, Grandma Gouge, GMA, Grandma, Aunt Jo, and BJ. She was an avid college football and Aggie women’s basketball fan. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family to Europe, playing bridge, gardening, and ballroom dancing back in the day. There was nothing she loved and adored more than her children and grandchildren.

Family and friends will celebrate Betty's life on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Parkway United Methodist Church, 5801 New Territory Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas. Phone 1-281-494-5050.