Mrs. Willie Louise Gothard

March 21, 1933 - August 11, 2016

Willie Louise Gothard, 83 years, went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2016. "Louise", as she was affectionately known by all, was born March 21, 1933 in Hamilton, MS, the daughter of the late Jimmie and Corinne Harris. She accepted Christ at an early age and has always trusted the Lord to guide her steps. After high school, Louise moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where she worked and attended beauty school. On January 23, 1960, Louise married the love of her life, William ("Bill") Gothard, and to this union they were blessed five children: Ozell, Teresa, Craig, Christine, and Sandra. Louise and Bill were also loving foster parents to over 20 children. Louise was a member of Second Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, and later connected to Christian Life Center (now known as Stones Church). She was a faithful member of CLC/Stones Church for 27 years, serving in many capacities, which included the Bereavement Ministry. Louise was the owner and operator of Louise's Beauty Salon. She opened the salon in 1965, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in September of 2015. Louise was a loving and caring wife, mother and friend who touched the many lives of the people who were blessed to come in contact with her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Louise is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie and Corinne Harris; 2 sisters, Flossie and Jessie Harris and 3 brothers, James Harris, Gene Harris and Bennie Harris. Louise is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, William Gothard; her daughters, Teresa Nelson of Lansing, MI; Christine (Irvin) Beverly of Kalamazoo, MI; Sandra (Cleveland) Moore of Lansing; sons, Ozell (Michelle) Gothard of Waterford, MI and Craig Gothard of Grand Rapids; 20 foster children, which includes Ms. Gwen Lanier, who has remained a part of the Gothard Family; her sisters, Verona Askew, Maggie Ramirez, Martha Jones, Vera Carlton, Janie Johnson and Sheila Harris; one brother, Montez Harris; 12 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.