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The scriptures tell us that ‘the greatest of all is the servant of all.’

Glenda Gail Gouge, who died November 1, was described by her family as having a servant’s heart. “She was always taking care of others, and worked to better the lives of others,” said her daughter, Julia Butler.

Among those she cared for long-term were her mother and two aunts, one of whom had Alzheimer’s and was in the nursing home before she died.

Gouge lived in the Roan Mountain community and was a faithful member of Burbank Free Will Baptist Church. She wasn’t content just to come to church, Gouge wanted to be active and to serve her Lord, and she did so by being a teacher of the youth, a youth leader, and often directed the church’s Christmas play. “She remained active in the church until her health failed her,” said Julia.

Gouge enjoyed being with her family, especially on the holidays when she would prepare dinner for everyone. Among her favorite dishes was her butterscotch pie, of which she had to make several in order for everyone to have some. “She was a good cook, a gift she passed on to my sister, Cyndi,” shared Julia, who is married and lives in North Carolina. Cyndi is also married and lives in Roan Mountain near their dad, James. Gouge also had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to being a caregiver, Gouge enjoyed sewing and made a lot of the girls’ dresses as well as her own clothing. “She made our dresses, pantsuits. She was always very frugal, and often shopped at thrift shops. She could make our second-hand clothing look brand new,” said Julia,  who noted that her mother had two brothers and when growing up her mother bought her boys clothing just like she did the boys. “She got jeans, shirts just like they did,” Julia shared.

In her earlier years, Gouge did house cleaning “up on the mountains,” and was a caregiver in homes. Among her last jobs was driving a van and  serving as a teacher assistant at the Sequoyah School in Elizabethton.

“She enjoyed being around children, so the Sequoyah position was ideal for her. She also had a positive impact on the children at church. Momma enjoyed working with the children and youth. Teaching the youth was something she looked forward to,” said Julia. 

“Mom was always busy and usually she was busy doing for someone else. Doing for others was what made her different,” Julia noted.

However she did enjoy spending time with her family and every year for her birthday she and her daughters took a four-day girls trip. Sometimes, it was to the beach. Other times they would go to Hickory, Pigeon Forge, etc.

Glenda Gouge was laid to rest on Nov. 4 in the Gouge Family Cemetery on Heaton Creek. 

Her passing leaves not only a void in her family, but certainly in her church and community.

Truly, the greatest example of love is being a servant to all, and Glenda Gouge showed us what it is to be a true servant.