Sylvia J. Gouge, 72, of Athens, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at her residence.

A native and resident of McMinn County for most of her life, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Lilly Leamon Guffey, and was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Elmer \"Rat\" Gouge, on Nov. 7, 2004; one daughter, Carlotta Mazza; and one sister, Wanda Allen. She was a member of the Church of God and was former employee of Athens Stove Works.

Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Kendra and Danny Baker, Veronica Gouge and Gary Goodwin, Robin Henderson and Carmen Sykes, all of Athens; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Tommy and Michelle Gouge of Athens, Michael and Bonnie Henderson of Cleveland, and Scott Henderson of Madisonville; one brother, Paul Guffey of Augusta, Ga.; one sister, Doris Anderson of Chattanooga; and 14 grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 8 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Minister Gene Gouge officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.