Minerva Deloris Desper Gouge, Nammy was born on November 19, 1928 in Baltimore Maryland and passed away at the age of 93, in Salem, Virginia.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Wilson Desper and Catherine Margaret Poggie. Her brothers Arthur and Charles Desper, sister Mary Desper. Her husband, James Clifford Gouge.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Currie (Monti), her son Dale Gouge (Sharon), her grandchildren, Kathy Rudolph (Jeff), Angela Jackson (Roy), Brandi Oliver (Jeff), Rachel VonWahlde (Dusty), and Tyler Fountain. Her great grandchildren, Jeffrey (Ayleen), Christian, Jordan, Ryan, Rhett, Taylor (Sam), Jonas Olivia, Maverick, and Sylvie. Her great-great grandchildren, Arianna and Abigail Jaymes.
Deloris came to reside in Pinellas County Florida in 1950. She and her husband along with her daughter, Linda became members of Clearwater First Assembly of God. Their son, Dale was born in 1954.
She worked very hard all of her life, often manual labor and she never complained. She served in various ministries for over 50 years. Some of them included singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, women’s ministries and the nursery.
After retiring from K Mart in 1992, she spent her time visiting, traveling with, and caring for her family. She enjoyed crocheting, playing games, riding her bike, keeping up with her friends, but most of all just being surrounded by family. As a result of her kindness and love for people, she never met a stranger. The running theme in her life was laughter. She will always be remembered for her zest for life and a smile that showed even in her beautiful blue eyes. She was intentional and had a way of making one feel as though they were the most important person in the world.
The legacy she leaves is an encouragement to each of us, to always be kind, love people well, not take life too seriously, and most importantly foster a daily relationship with Jesus Christ; so that we can join her in Heaven one day.
The family will receive friends at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 26.2022 at Connect Church Clearwater (Clearwater First Assembly of God). A Funeral service will be he held at 3:00 PM. Pastor Ken Hope will be officiating. Burial will follow in Largo Municipal Cemetery.
Deloris was always a cheerful inspiration to us. Being a little younger than her, she became one of the ones we looked to as younger adults to always be there and give words of wisdom into our lives. She was always bright and upbeat. I am glad she got to to spend so much time with family as that seemed to be her hearts desire. She will certainly be missed from this earth.
Love to all the family and our sincere sympathy in the loss of Deloris.
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Nammy! May God bring you comfort and peace. Deloris was always such a precious and fun lady! I have wonderful memories of her when the Gouges and Eubanks used to spend wonderful times together with our family at my aunt and uncle’s house (the Fairchilds). Deloris left a precious legacy of following our Lord.
Another dear Saint has left for home. I can’t put all the memories into words, but some of the most important were the family gatherings after church when we were growing up. Her family would come to our house, or we would go to theirs. In recent times, Deloris would visit with my Mom while she was in the nursing home and that meant a lot to her even though her mind was rapidly fading. Mom still new who Deloris was and was glad that she was there. Then later, Deloris would stop in and visit with my Dad when he was in the hospital and rehab. Deloris was an amazing woman and a precious child of God. We all will miss her here, but we know that she is now receiving her reward for a life of serving God. When God calls all of us home, we will be reunited in His presence. How glorious that will be! I really want to come down for the memorial service, but I will be unable to do so. All my love and prayers for Linda, Dale and the rest of the family. May God comfort you as only He can.
Mrs. Deloris was a beautiful lady with a lovely heart. She leaves behind some precious memories of the time spent with her. To know her was to love her. God Bless, The Family during their time of loss. With Deepest Sympathy, Dewell and Shirley Ward Morris 🙏✝️❤️
Your in my thoughts and she was such a sweet soul who will live forever in all those she has touched.
I knew Deloris from the nursery at church. I had five kids and, as foster parents, we had a steady stream of kids in the nursery. She always made me feel like she loved mine the best. At one point, someone was concerned that men coming into the nursery might make an uncomfortable situation for a young mother. The next Sunday I waited outside the nursery while my wife went in to get our child. Deloris saw me standing outside and told me that I was always welcome in her nursery. She always made me feel that way.
Nammy forever holds a place in my heart. She was the grandmother I wished to have, and the kind I wish to be! Her love and joy was infectious, and she passed that on to all her family…a legacy we all hope to have. I was blessed, as we all were, to have had her in my life, even for a short while. My love goes out to her friends and family left with a Nammy-shaped hole in their lives.