Julia “Tootsie” Benfield Gooch

Julia “Tootsie” Benfield Gooch, 98, Morganton died Wednesday, April 17, 2019.  She was born on August 5, 1920 in the Bridgewater Community. Tootsie was the oldest living member of her beloved First Presbyterian Church of Glen Alpine where she enjoyed providing altar flowers for Sunday services.  She worked at Drexel Furniture Company before working for and retiring from Henredon Furniture after 35 years.  Her hobbies included playing bridge, gardening, and socializing with her many friends and family.  However, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  Tootsie’s continuing involvement in the Glen Alpine community earned her the honorary title of Miss Turkey Tail.”

Tootsie is survived by her daughter-in-law, Donna Gooch Rountree (Jim); grandchildren, Braxton Gooch, Nicholas Gooch, and Giorgia Gooch; and cousins, Estelle Newton (Bud), Carolyn Mauney (Bob), and Tellis Benfield (Louise).

Tootsie was preceded in death by her husband, William Braxton Gooch; and son, Douglas Braxton Gooch.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Snow Hill United Methodist Church.