Ruth Ann Goree

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Ruth Ann “Meme” Goree, who passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was 84 years old.

Born on June 24, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to David Lawrence Current and Janie Ruth Bowling Baranowski, Ruth Ann lived a life centered on love, family, acceptance, and finding joy in the simple things. While she was known by many titles throughout her life, the one she cherished most was simply “Meme.” To her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless others who adopted her as their own, she was a source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

Ruth Ann never met a stranger. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcomed, accepted, and valued exactly as they were. Whether you were family, a friend, or someone she had just met, chances were you left her presence feeling loved.

She found happiness in painting, plants, and spending time with those she loved. Family gatherings were her favorite place to be. She was also known for a few unforgettable trademarks: her beloved daisy dukes and her remarkable ability to "borrow" a plant clipping from just about anywhere and coax it into thriving at home (aka the famous Thelma and Louise heists).

Ruth Ann was also a fighter. She bravely survived breast cancer and faced life's challenges with resilience and determination. Through it all, she never lost her kindness or her ability to care for others before herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alton Goree, her beloved daughter, Julie Goree-Muse and her step-daughter, Cindy Ann Gore.

She leaves behind a family that was the pride and joy of her life: her partner, James T. “Tommy” Cooper; her children, Kathy (Kitten) Hooker and spouse John Hooker, James Allen Goree and spouse Jaclyn Goree, Chris Baranowski, and Linda McCawley; seventeen grandchildren; forty-eight great-grandchildren; eighteen great-great-grandchild; her brother, David Current; her sister, Elaine Schelsteder; and many other relatives, friends, neighbors, and honorary family members who were blessed to know her.

Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Ruth Ann's legacy lives on in every flower planted from a clipping, every family gathering filled with laughter, every act of kindness shown without judgment, and every person fortunate enough to have called her "Meme."

She taught us that family is not just who you are related to, but who you love. Her love knew no limits, and neither will the memories she leaves behind.

Mom, Meme, friend, gardener, artist, survivor, and the heart of our family, you will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on October 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on October 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm.