***Courtesy post for Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors***
The unexpected death of Anita Harris Gouse on Thursday, October 24, 2024, leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her friends and family. At the age of 75, she was predeceased by her parents, Esther and Charles Harris of Ocilla, GA and her brother, Lee A. Harris.
Anita, the eldest of 4 children, was born April 10, 1949, in Ocilla, GA where she was raised. She attended college at The University of Tampa where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and met her husband, Gary R. Gouse. Anita and Gary were married on June 6, 1971, and settled in Birmingham, AL, Gary’s hometown. They have two daughters, Ilyse Gouse Brobst and Stacey Gouse Osborn, who both opted to raise their families near their childhood home in Birmingham, AL.
Anita continued with higher learning and received her Master of Arts in both Elementary Education and Administration, Supervision and Educational Leadership from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also received post-master’s degrees (Ed.S.) in Elementary Education and Administration, Supervision, and Educational Leadership. Anita devoted her life and legacy to enhancing children’s lives. She was a teacher, a principal, a state department employee (creating elementary curriculum for the Alabama Reading Initiative), a national trainer and consultant, and most recently, the senior program director with Junior Achievement. Her goal was to assist and better the chances for any child in need.
Nothing in this world meant more to Anita than time spent with her family. Anita is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Gary Gouse; Daughters, Ilyse (Jeff) Brobst and Stacey Osborn; Grandchildren Bradyn Brobst, Charlee Brobst, Emelia Brobst and Garner Osborn; Sisters Raye Coplin of Atlanta, Joan (David) Kent of Macon, and Suzy Harris (Hadley) Engelhard of Atlanta. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as a community that loved her and will miss her terribly.
Graveside Service – Elmwood Cemetery
Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM
600 Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
Followed by an immediate Seudat Havre’ah (lunch) at Temple Beth-El.
Shiva will be held at the home of Anita and Gary Gouse (4612 Battery Lane, Birmingham 35213) on Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to either Temple Beth-El, Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, or Junior Achievement.
Junior Achievement
In memory of Anita Gouse
PO Box 19307
Birmingham, AL 35219
alabama.ja.org
May Anita rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. May God comfort the mourners among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.