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OPAL JANICE (PARR) GOOCH, Harmony, IN
Opal Janice (Parr) Gooch, age 94, of Harmony, Indiana, passed away on March 1st, 2024, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Opal Janice was born on July 15, 1929, in Harmony, Indiana, to the late Harold W. Parr and Anna Estelle (Girton) Parr.
Janice was a dedicated individual who made significant contributions throughout her lifetime. She began her career as a bookkeeper at Adamson’s Lumber Company and later Girton’s Feed Store, serving from 1949-1976. Janice was actively involved in her community. She played a key role in the incorporation of the Town of Harmony in 1976 and served as the Clerk-Treasurer of Harmony for 40 years. Janice's commitment to her town extended to her role as the President of the town board of Harmony until her passing.
Opal Janice was a proud alumni of Van Buren High School, graduating in 1947. She furthered her education through practical experience and dedicated service to her community. Janice served as the Indiana Branch Secretary, National Secretary, and National President of the National Postmasters Auxiliary from 1967-1975, served on the executive board of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns from 1980-1990, and from 1987-1992 served as Treasurer, Vice-president, State President, and convention chairman of the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, of which she was a member for over 40 years. On June 20, 1978, Opal Janice was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the governor of Kentucky, in recognition of an individual's noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation.
Janice's passion for singing was evident in her involvement as the church choir director at Harmony Community Church, where she was an active member for 48 years. She was also an active and devoted member of Ebenezer Church from 1985 until her passing.
Opal Janice is survived by her niece, Suzanne Parr Erwin of Harmony, great-nieces Janet L. (John) Hagemier of Harmony, and Debra L. Nettles of Terre Haute, Indiana, as well as great-great-nephew Tyler B. Nettles and great-great-niece Myriam E. Hagemier. She is also survived by many cousins and lifelong friends. Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Max William “Bill” Gooch, her brother Lawerence W. Parr and sister-in-law Mary Alice Parr, her nephew Ernest B. Erwin, and her nephew Michael W. Parr.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024 from 4-8pm at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 East National Ave in Brazil, Indiana. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at 1pm at the funeral home, followed by her internment at Calcutta Cemetery.
Janice's dedication to her community, her love for singing, and her unwavering commitment to her faith and family will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.
To post a note of condolence, please visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com