Clarise Ledford, age 80, of Bakersville, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24th at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Mitchell County, she was a daughter of the late Eddie and Geneva Hobson Ledford. She was preceded in death as well L.H. Gouge who was the father of her children; four sisters: Pauline Edna Ledford, Wilma Jean Ward, Georgia Lee Garland and Shelby Jean Ledford; and her brother, Rev. Eddie Dean Ledford.
Clarise held a number of jobs including waitressing at Boyd’s Seafood, but being a homemaker was the one she enjoyed most. She was a lady of many talents including gardening and canning, being a seamstress, and doing crafts. She was also a poet and musician, as well as a singer and songwriter. She so enjoyed reading her Bible verses each day, and was known for making the best chocolate cake ever. Her greatest accomplishment in life was that of a wonderful mother, and nothing meant more to her than her family and being a Mamoo.
She is survived by her children: Landon Gouge and wife, Camille, David Gouge and wife, Renee, and Angie Ollis and husband, Steve, all of Bakersville. She was also Mamoo to Thomas Gouge and wife, Andrea, Abrielle Gouge and Olivia Gouge, and her great-grandchild, Zara Gouge. She is survived as well by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th at Greater Remnant Church. Brother John Godfrey, Pastor Wesley Ward and Evangelist Jerry Grogan will officiate. Music will be provided by Eddie Dean Ledford, II and Olivia Gouge. Burial will follow in the Baxter Hobson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Ward, David Hoilman, Thomas Gouge, Tommy Hobson, Josh Jarrard, Randy Horton and Dan Phillips. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
The family would like to say special thanks to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge for their love and care of Clarise, and requests that memorials be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
