Betty, age 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed on July 12, 2022. She was born in Mt. Vernon, MD to Harvey Custis and Catherine (Dashiell) Custis and lived in Wilmington from the time she was nine years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert W. Gooden in 2003, her daughter Susie in 2020, her sister Margaret Carmine, her daughter-in-law Sharon, and her beloved grandson Forrest.
She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1949 and enthusiastically attended all her class reunions. She was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church since 1951, where she was married, taught Sunday School, and served on Church Council.
She is survived by her three sons, Robert Jr., Gary (Susan) and John (Donna). She has six grandchildren: Jennifer, Heather, Matthew, Andrew, Kirsten, and Bobby. She also has six great-grandchildren: Shannon, Mattilyn, Brooke, Cole, Taylor, and Colton.
Betty enjoyed playing Scrabble all her life with her family and most recently with her dear friends at the Summit retirement community. She was a member of the Luther Tower Aides and the Newark Senior Center where she loved pool volleyball!
Betty lived every day to its fullest, guided by her faith, and was loved by all who met her. She was a member of the “Walk to Emmaus” community and met with her beloved group for breakfast since 1992. This group of ladies played a big role in her life. They are Sue Egnor, Sandy Dempsey, Grace Martin, and Rev. Beverly Lewis (deceased). She and the family are grateful for her wonderful care these last months through Bayada Hospice.
In recent years Betty checked off some items on her bucket list, including riding on an elephant and going up in a hot air balloon! At 80 she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at a Phillies game with granddaughter Heather (along with a group of 250 others).
A private graveside service will be held on July 18th. Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1301 Broom Street, Wilmington., DE 19806 where friends may call from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Contributions in her memory may be sent to St. Stephen’s Church. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com.
