Freida K. Tillett Gooch

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Freida K. Gooch (Tillett), 84, of Kings Mountain passed from this earth.  Freida was born July 4, 1941. She leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Gerald T. Gooch & their four children, Pam (Bill) Smallwood of Berea; Dale (Yvonne) Gooch of Danville; Brian Gooch (Marlene Million) of Kings Mountain and Karen (Mark) Saylor of Kings Mountain. Freida was especially proud of her nine granddaughters, Katie Smallwood McLain (Raymond), Elizabeth Ann Gooch (Josh Vineyard), Tess Smallwood (Taylor Lansdale), Sarah Sims (Jesse Horseman), Gretta Leigh Gooch (Ryan Jorgenson), Hayley Smallwood (Cody Kiser), Jessica Saylor (Nathan Love), Samantha Love (Justin), and Morgan Malone (Brandon); 13 great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind three younger sisters, Clydene (Curtis) Sluder, Agnes (Gary) Peavyhouse & Leota Padgett (the late Marshall), and as well, many wonderful nieces & nephews.

Freida attended Memorial High School, graduating in May 1959. She was the daughter of Herbie & Annabelle Tillett who preceded her in death.  Also preceding her was older brother, US Air Force Lt. Col. Herbie Claudus Tillett (Jean) older sisters, Alma Belle Tillett and Rosemary Deborde (Charles). 

Freida enjoyed flea markets & yard sales in search of ceramic collectibles such as cookie jars, vintage planters, etc.  She also relished time spent with her church family at Locust Grove Baptist Church.  She enjoyed travel & seeing the sights.  Her favorite pastime was family gatherings with her sisters & children, always appreciative of the good cooks in her family.

She will be sorely missed by all.

A Public Visitation will be held 11AM-1PM Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home.

A Public Funeral Service will be held 1PM Thursday, at the funeral home.  Bro. Tim Jones will officiate the service.

Burial will follow in Pleasant Point Cemetery. Freida’s granddaughters will serve as Active Pallbearers.  Freida’s great-grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial Contributions suggested to Locust Grove Baptist Church.

Freida’s children wish to thank all that have brought food, visited with our Dad, sent cards & holiday goodies.  A very special thank you to her three sisters, our aunts, who helped & supported her the whole way.

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Freida’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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