Catherine Gooch

Cathrine “Katie” Gooch, 55, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 28, 2025, at 6:30 AM due to heart failure. A free spirit with a heart full of love, Katie lived her life on her own terms — with creativity, kindness, and a deeply rooted sense of connection to everyone around her.
 
Born on September 22, 1969, Katie was the beloved daughter of Debbie Paull and David Daniels, and was raised with love by her adoptive parents, Carol and William Metz. She shared a close bond with her siblings, William Metz and Kellie Hughes.
 
A Navy veteran, Katie wore many hats throughout her life — Daycare Manager, Massage Therapist, Writer, and Artist. She was a high school graduate who pursued massage therapy and, most recently, was continuing her education to nurture her lifelong passion for writing.
 
Katie had a creative soul. She loved crafting, watercolor painting, writing children’s books, and making beautiful paper flowers. She described herself proudly as a hippie, someone who danced to the beat of her own drum and embraced life with an open heart. Her ability to form meaningful connections left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
 
Katie found her soulmate in William Gooch, who stood by her side through all of life’s seasons and was with her until the very end. Together they built a blended and beautiful family. She is survived by her children: Samantha Parson, Devin Gooch, Valori Sparks, Jonah Wood, Dominic Zuckero, and Brianna Gooch. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Avery, Damian, Hayden, Jasmine, and Earnest Sparks — her “crawly bugs.” Katie dreamed of writing a book with each of them, just as she dreamed so big for everyone she loved.
 
Katie had a special song for each of her children — a symbol of the unique and unconditional love she gave so freely. She also shared a close companionship with her little dog, Missy, who brought her great comfort and joy.

Katie made it clear that when her time came, she didn’t want a funeral filled with tears, but rather a celebration of life — a party filled with laughter, stories, music, and love in honor of the friends and family she cherished so deeply.
 
Her memory will live on in every flower she made, every picture she painted, every story she began, and every heart she touched. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.
 
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. Friday, August 1, 2025, at Hurricane Shoals – 416 Hurricane Shoals Road, Maysville, GA 30558.
 
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
 
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865 – 3101