Joyce Ann Goff Gordan was born in Roanoke, Virginia on August 5, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert C. Goff and Maude Hamilton Goff; siblings, Russell Lee Fowler, Sr. “Jackie” and Gloria Johnson, and her beloved best friend and husband Grover, Sr.

At an early age, Mrs. Gordon moved to Richmond, Virginia and attended Richmond Public Schools. She soon was baptized and began to faithfully serve at Providence Park Baptist Church, where Reverend Miles Jones was her beloved pastor and spiritual teacher. She loved singing on the church choir, where she served for many years.

In 1954, she married the love of her life, Mr. Grover G. Gordon, Sr. and, from that union came the blessing of five children, all of whom she adored. Also during this time, Mrs. Gordon joined her husband in Christian and community service and became an active member of Abner Baptist Church in Glen Allen. She served graciously for many years respectfully caring for the Pastor’s clergy robes as a member of the Pastoral Ministry. Additionally, she was a working mother who retired from Safeway Stores and, after studying and receiving her CNA certificate, cared for patients at Saint Mary’s Wood in Richmond.

During her relaxation time, she enjoyed playing the piano and fishing. She loved going out on the boat with her husband Grover and would often go fresh water and deep-sea fishing. Often upon their return home, they would have a large cooler with enough fish to create a feast of fried fish and corn bread with fixings for supper; there was often enough fish to share dinner with nearby family members and leave enough left over to freeze the rest of the day’s catch.

Mrs. Gordon lived everyday as a busy wife, mother, and eventually grand, great and great-great grandmother. She was an excellent cook and loved to prepare scrumptious meals! It brought her joy to start the process early in the day arranging all of her ingredients on the counter and table so that she could creative feasts – particularly during the holidays – for a full house of children, grandchildren, and relatives. Some of her family’s favorite dishes were fried chicken (seasoned and cooked to perfection), potato salad (that was “out of this world”), rice pudding, her “oh-my-goodness” banana pudding and her absolutely unforgettable pound cakes! (The church family loved her pound cakes as much as her husband and children.)

Mrs. Gordon was also known for keeping a gorgeous yard and a beautiful flower garden. She personally cared for her yard and was truly proud of the results of her having a “green thumb.” And, when she wasn’t in the yard or cooking, she loved to travel, visiting such places as Canada and numerous Northern cities and towns. She had favorite terms and sayings that her family holds dear: she was known for calling people “Shuga Pie,” and she was known for her signature phrases including: “Got me as good as I’ve been,” and at the end of a meal, “I’ve dined sufficiently, my appetite has been ‘serensified’, and I’m overwhelmed with joy!”

Mrs. Gordon lived a good life. She was committed to Christ, her husband and her family who adored her and showered her with care, love, flowers, and special treasures. Her favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm, she read the Word and set the example in her home as a Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31), and led her home with grace, discipline, order, and love.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Grover G. Gordon, Jr.; daughters, Iris Davis, Sharon Jones, Michelle Lightfoot and Pamela Harris; stepson, Lorenzo Allen (Mattie) of Crozier, Va.; one sister-in-law, Esther Davis (James); one brother-in-law, Robert Johnson; grand, great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, along with a host of family, church members and loved ones.