Mildred Ruth Stancil Kelly Gooch
- Born: Nov. 25, 1917 Wilson, NC
- Died: Jan. 16, 1996 Wilson, NC
- Married: Jerome Clinton Kelly on Nov. 16, 1935, in Greensville, VA
Mildred Ruth Stancil Kelly Gooch
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| Mildred's children with Jerome Clinton Kelly |
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| Jerome Carlton Kelly Aug. 10, 1936 Wilson, NC-July 8, 2016 Clinton, NC |
| Glenn Clinton Kelly Oct. 23, 1937 Wilson, NC-Oct. 19, 2024 Wilson, NC |
| Dorothy "Ann" Angela Kelly Etheridge |
| Linda Joyce Kelly Moore Nov. 1, 1942 Wilson, NC-March 3, 2012 Raleigh, NC |
| Alfred "Butch" Bryant Kelly |
| Rose Marie Kelly Pendergraft Southern |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Mildred Ruth Stancil, daughter of Susan Pearl Renfrow and Lonnie Alfred Stancil, was born Nov. 25, 1917, in Cross Roads Township in Wilson County, North Carolina.
When growing up, she was affectionately known as "Billie."
She grew up in Wilson, where she attended Winstead School. Though she didn’t always enjoy school, she later advanced to Charles L. Coon High School, where her favorite teacher, Mrs. Sinclair, made an impression on her.
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
She met Jerome Clinton Kelly in Wilson, and after a whirlwind romance, they married on November 16, 1935, in Greensville, Virginia, when she was 17.
Jerome was raised on a farm in Panther Branch Township, Wake County and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Together, they built a home next door to Mildred’s father on Aycock Street, Wilson, NC.
Jerome served as a Military Policeman in WWII and later pursued a career in law enforcement, becoming Chief of Police in Apex, NC. Their family grew over the years, raising six children in North Carolina.
Their children included: Jerome Carlton Kelly, Glenn Clinton Kelly, Dorothy “Ann” Angela Kelly Etheridge, Linda Joyce Kelly Moore, Alfred “Butch” Bryant Kelly and Rose Marie Kelly Southern.
In 1958, the family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida in search of opportunity but later returned to North Carolina due to financial struggles. Jerome, an excellent mechanic, transitioned back into law enforcement, eventually becoming Chief of Police.
Mildred found great solace in her faith, joining the Church of the Nazarene in 1955, a moment that led her to quit smoking and devote her life to her beliefs.
Jerome passed away on March 21, 1968, leaving Mildred widowed after 32 years of marriage. She later married Rev. Sherwood L. Gooch on Oct. 26, 1975 and moved to Raleigh.
Over the years, Mildred overcame uterine cancer and found joy in reconnecting with her family in Wilson. She was an enthusiastic participant in Stancil family reunions, attending them yearly, proud to be "one of us Stancils."
Mildred passed away peacefully on January 16, 1996. Her funeral was held at Joyner's Funeral Home in Wilson, followed by a graveside service in Raleigh. She was laid to rest beside Jerome in Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh.
Mildred always said her greatest achievement was “Having the Lord save me.” She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and faithful woman who embraced life’s joys and overcame its challenges.
Mildred’s legacy lives on through her family, her faith, and the love she poured into those around her.