Orpah Ella Gouge

Ms. Ella Sparks Gouge passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, just 12 days after celebrating her 86th birthday. She was born on April 16, 1939, in Mitchell County, North Carolina, the daughter of Lindsey and Ruby Sparks.Ms. Ella brought a touch of sunshine everywhere she went. She was the sweetest soul with the biggest heart, and her quick wit was just the icing on the cake. She could make you laugh while making sure you were walking a straight linesomething she learned from her many years in the school system. Ms. Ella taught several classes and loved sharing and teaching her talents. Her favorites were oil painting and basket weaving. She also had a deep love for flowers and spent many days tending her prized daylily beds.Among her many talents, Ms. Ella was also an accomplished piano player. This is how she first caught the attention of her late husband, Rev. George Gouge. He knew the moment he heard her play that he was going to marry herand he did just that. They shared a beautiful life together for 68 and a half years and were blessed with two children, Dennis and Sherry. George was called into ministry and served many churches, with Ms. Ella faithfully by his side, the perfect example of a preachers wife. She loved playing the piano for their congregations. Even in her final hours, she was still ministering the love of Jesus to anyone who would listen. There is no doubt that her welcome into Heaven was absolutely beautifuland that George was waiting for her with open arms.Ms. Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Lindsey and Ruby Sparks; her little sister, Martha Jean; her son, Dennis Gouge; and her husband, Reverend George Gouge. She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Gouge; honorary daughter, Yvette Deese; brothers, Tommy (Carolyn) and Lewis (Anita); sister, Ann Stewart (Nate); and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.The family will receive friends and loved ones at Antioch Baptist Church on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10 a.m., with the service to immediately follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Union County.
Cemetery
Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery
6223 Love Mill Road
Monroe NC 28205
US
Visitation
Friday, May 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Antioch Baptist Church
6223 Love Mill Rd
Monroe NC 28110
US
Funeral Service
Friday, May 2, 2025
11:00 AM -
Antioch Baptist Church
6223 Love Mill Rd
Monroe NC 28110
US
Burial
Friday, May 2, 2025
11:30 AM -
Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery
6223 Love Mill Road
Monroe NC 28205
US
Funeral Home
Indian Trail
4431 Old Monroe Rd
Indian Trail NC - 28079
US
704-821-2960
704-821-8420 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Orpah, please visit our Tree Store.