Mary Gooding

Mary Gooding, a beacon of kindness and generosity, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on April 20, 1947, in the charming town of Kenansville, North Carolina, Mary was the beloved daughter of Frank and Dorothy Batchelor. She was preceded in death by her cherished parents and her dear sisters, Virginia and Joyce. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth through her surviving family members, including her devoted children, Patricia (Mitch) Schutt and Kevin (Jessica) Gooding, and her adoring grandchildren, Christopher, Brooke, Justin, Nathan, Keegan, and Levi. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara, Shirley, Pattie, Janet, Joan, and Joseph, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Throughout her life, Mary was known for her remarkable ability to touch the lives of everyone she met with her generosity and kind spirit. Her gentle nature and unwavering support were constants in the lives of her family and friends, bringing comfort and joy to those around her. Mary began her career at West Pharmaceutical, where she worked diligently before retiring. Her dedication and hard work were admired by her colleagues, and she carried those same qualities into her personal life. In her leisure time, Mary found solace and joy in the pages of a good book, allowing her imagination to transport her to new worlds and experiences. Though Mary has left this world, her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the impact one person can have on countless others. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Mary's generous spirit. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on through these acts of giving, just as she would have wished.