Beth Quinn

March 6, 1958 - January 17, 2018
Beth Quinn

Memorial Gifts & Donations




According to Beth Quinn, 2018 is a year for JOY! That might seem odd reading that in this context, but Beth was never one to shy away from a bold statement in an unexpected place. In fact, she wasn’t one to shy away from anything.

On March 6, 1958 this world was changed forever when Beth was born. She was the fourth of five children born to Maureen and Gene Gouge in Woodbury, NJ. That birth order alone is enough to instill qualities that would carry her through life; patience, leadership, sharing, determination, and pure grit. Gene worked for Dupont and eventually the Gouge family relocated to Wilmington, NC where Beth began to lay roots and build her legacy.

Beth spent much of her life dedicated to her work and serving her community; two things she loved dearly. In April 2017 she retired from 25 years of service with First Citizens Bank as a Senior Vice President. She took incredible pride in the company, her work and her work family, and never missed an opportunity to share her gratitude for them with others. As a community leader, she was involved with numerous organizations as a board member, fundraiser and volunteer: Cape Fear Kiwanis, Coastal Horizons, Wilmington Downtown INC, Cape Fear Chapter of CREW, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Domestic Violence Shelter, Willie Stargell Foundation and Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross, just to name a few.

Most notably, Beth co-founded the nonprofit She ROCKS Inc. (an acronym for Research Ovarian Cancer Knowledge Support) in May 2014. This was as result of her diagnosis of Stage IV Ovarian Cancer on December 23, 2013. The mission of She ROCKS Inc. is to bring awareness and attention to ovarian cancer through funding groundbreaking research, and by providing support to local patients of all cancers. Since inception, She ROCKS Inc. has raised over half a million dollars, and because of Beth’s commitment to this cause, the UNC Lineberger Cancer Research Center named a lab in her honor.

None of these positions held were was ever held in vain. Beth was a true leader who instinctively put the “we” before the “me”.  However, her friends and peers saw it fit to nominate Beth for recognition, and in October 2017 she was surprised and honored by Governor Roy Cooper to receive a state award of highest distinction, The Old North State Award.

Above all else, Beth loved the Lord and her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her loving husband of 22 years (Jim Quinn), three daughters (Bethany Etheridge, Brittany Fountain – spouse, Daniel Fountain, and Aimee Etheridge), her mother, Maureen Gouge; brothers David, Jim, and Paul Gouge; three step-sons (Jimmy Quinn, Robert Quinn – spouse, Christi Quinn, and Patrick Quinn), and two grandchildren (Elijah and Judah Fountain). She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Gouge and her sister Debbie Colwell. 

The love for Beth and her positive impact in this world will continue to dominate all of our hearts. We will continue to choose joy and shine her light in all ways. And in true Beth -fashion, I leave you with some Food for Thought: Be Kind. Give; No one ever became poor from giving. Rock!

A Celebration of Life will be held at Port City Community Church on Monday January 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to She ROCKS, Inc (www.she-rocks.org).

Share condolences to the family by clicking the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 South 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403.  910.791.9099

 


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  • January 18, 2018
    Teresa & George Huffmon says:
    Beth was a woman who exhibited strength, perseverance, passion for change as well as love and compassion to those around her. Simply put, she changed lives and made the world a better place. What a true honor it has been knowing her and witnessing her life and community altering accomplishments!

  • January 19, 2018
    Kathy Zuccarelli says:
    I've only known Beth for two short years but in that time we shared prayers and support for one another. She was an amazing woman. Rest In Peace Beth.

  • January 19, 2018
    Sylvia Bowers lit a candle:
    Lit since January 19, 2018 at 1:41:57 AM

  • January 19, 2018
    Beverly Sullivan Moore says:
    Beth was always special to me when we all went to Damascus Church so many years ago. Maureen n her dad were such wonderful Godly inspirations in my life. I am so proud how her life turned out. What a blessing!

  • January 19, 2018
    Shalane says:
    I met Beth during the course of her illness. She always had a positive and determined attitude which I truly admired. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.