Mary Gooch

After a full and joyful life, Mary Elizabeth Gooch, 93, went to be with her Lord on October 25, 2025. She leaves a legacy of deep faith, love for family, and service to her community. One of six children, Mary was born on June 3, 1932, to Mallie Beard Murchison and Dan Pearson Murchison in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Born during the heart of the Great Depression, Mary learned many life skills and lessons that shaped her strong and resourceful character. She became an excellent seamstress under her mother's guidance and lovingly sewed Sunday dresses and dance costumes for her daughters in their early years. Later in life, she poured that same care into sewing beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren, each one stitched with love and memories. Mary was also an excellent cook, well known for her delicious homemade caramel cakes and the many family meals she lovingly prepared and shared around the table. Mary graduated from Yocona High School and began her career at Union Planters Bank in Memphis. She later returned to Oxford, where she worked at Bank of Oxford and lived at Cedar Oaks. It was during this time that she met Lael Gooch, the love of her life, at Kiamie's Bowling Alley. Mary and Lael were married on Christmas Day, 1954, and together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Terrie, Trentice, and Trent. Mary continued her successful banking career with Bank of New Albany, Bank of Commerce, and First National Bank of New Albany, where she served as Branch Manager. Faith was a cornerstone of Mary's life. She and her family were devoted members of First Methodist Church of New Albany, where she joyfully taught children's Sunday School and was a member of the Marjorie Houston Sunday School Class for over 55 years and most recently the Friendship Sunday School Class. She used her creative gifts to make Chrismon ornaments for the church tree and kneelers for the altar. Even after she could no longer attend in person, Mary faithfully read her Sunday School lesson each week. In her later years, as she faced dementia with grace, she never forgot the beloved hymns and Bible verses that had guided her throughout her life. Mary was an active and supportive mother, serving on the PTO, volunteering as a homeroom mother, and proudly sewing badges for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was a longtime member and past president of the Modern Mothers Club, cherishing the friendships made there for many years. Mary always supported her husband, Lael, in all of his endeavors. For over 20 years, she visited his office each afternoon to help send birthday cards to his customers-a gesture of kindness that reflected her thoughtfulness. Together, Mary and Lael enjoyed traveling with friends on State Farm trips around the world. They were also avid Ole Miss fans and spent many years attending Rebel football and basketball games together. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Lael Gooch; her parents; her siblings Louise, Ruby, Dan, Maggie, and Clyde; and her son-in-law, Chuck Imbler, Jr. She is survived by her children: Terrie Gooch of Columbus, MS; Trent Gooch of New Albany, MS; and Trentice Gooch Imbler of Tupelo, MS; and her cherished grandchildren, Mallie Elizabeth Imbler of Tupelo, MS, and Carrol Trent Imbler of Dallas, TX. A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at First Methodist Church, New Albany, MS. The Reverend Dr. Chris Carter will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Lan Gooch, Jake Gooch, Shane Herrington, Ricky Murchison, David Spencer, John Stroud, Greg Robbins, and Bob Spencer. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sharon Clifton, Terry Copeland, and Aleesia Cox for their loving care and devotion to Mary. Memorials may be made to the Building Endowment Fund, First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 156, New Albany, MS 38652. United Funeral Home, New Albany, MS, is in charge of arrangements. Mary's faith, kindness, and love for her family will be remembered always. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Gooch, please visit our floral store.