Melvina Ann Gooch

Melvina “Mellie” Ann Gooch, born August 26, 1944 in Richmond, VA passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease that spanned over 8 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Allred Gooch and Melvin Anthony Gooch. She is survived by her sister, Edna Elizabeth Trudeau (Virginia Rogers and son Lucas); her children, Marianna Hicks (Charles), George Stamper, III (Rachel), Martha Jackson (Mark); her grandchildren, Katie, Gabrielle, Reese, Sam, and Quinton; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Dixie, and Waylon. Mellie attended the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart School. During these years, her passion centered around dance. She received dance instruction by Eleanor Grey School of Dance, Marjorie Fay Underhill School of Dance (aka Richmond School of Ballet). While there she also taught the younger students to dance to her delight. She performed annually in the production of the Richmond Nutcracker. In addition, she delighted audiences with regular performances at the Barksdale Theatre, Barter Theater, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Carillon. After her Richmond theatre career, she moved to the Big Apple, to continue her passion. She was successful dancing and singing in NY including the Peppermint Lounge and would have been a Rocket if not for her lack of height. After returning to Virginia, she enjoyed careers at Miller & Roads, the Va. Game and Inland Fisheries, Milhiser Mfg., Consumat Systems, Inc. and Target. Her sister, Edna Trudeau was her biggest fan, best friend and lifelong confidant. Edna comments that “She was a strikingly beautiful woman with piercing blue eyes. She was a graceful dancer, a happy tap dancer, a professional computer analyst, wonderful mother, fun-loving grandmother and the best sister one could have.” Mellie’s lifelong partner Wayne Hill, is to be especially recognized for his unending care he provided our mother and love he showed her throughout her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The family will receive friends at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140 from 5-8 PM Thursday, June 27th. A Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 3570 King William Ave., West Point, VA 23181 on Friday, June 28th at 11 AM. The burial will follow at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Cemetery in West Point. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Thank you.

Melvina Ann Gooch

August 26, 1944 - June 22, 2019