Gloria Estelle Booth Rich, 83, passed away Friday evening surrounded by her family at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Born in Westbourne, TN, she was the daughter of the late William Lee and Edna Broyles Booth, and was the wife of Max Rich Sr. Mrs. Rich was a member of Faro Chapel Church. She was an ordained minister, choir leader, sunday school teacher, past Mrs. Senior at the Wayne County Fair. Her faith was central in her life. She was a gifted painter and writer, but loved all kinds of crafts. Mrs. Rich also developed and ran a puppet ministry and local television show, The Garden Wall, along with her daughter, Debbie. She was a member of the Kingdom Seekers musical group. She also loved to read her Bible, put together puzzles, play games, watch HGTV and Junior Chef.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday September 22, at Emmaus Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Willoughby and Rev. Don Sauls at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
In addition to her husband of 68 years, Gloria is survived by her children, Jeannie Willoughby and husband, Jim of Dudley, Debra Faith Butcher and husband, Milton “Butch” of Pikeville, and Max Rich Jr. and wife, Jennifer Rich of Wilmington; brother, William Booth of Eureka; sister, Edna Sapia of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Chuck Willoughby, Ethan Willoughby, Janeen Butcher, Amber Nicole Rich, and Stephen Rich; 6 great grandchildren; and 1 great, great grandchild.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kitty Askins Hospice for their compassionate care. You are truly a blessing.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Faro Chapel Church, 3616 Big Daddy’s Rd., Fremont, NC 27830.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Rich family and online condolences may be sent to www.shumate-faulk.com.
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