Violet Ward Gordon

Violet W. Gordon, born in Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018. She led a full and productive life passing at the age of almost 102 years old. She was an amazing woman with a string of accomplishments behind her. Violet served our country in World War II as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC). She was one of 26 women from the Chicago area selected for induction. Of the 26 women only 4 were Black. They were some of the first Black WAACS in history. She ultimately achieved the rank of Captain. In later years she obtained her Bachelors and then Masters degree in Social Work. She was supervisor and school social worker for the New York Board of Education for 30 years. She married her soul mate Lester Gordon and lived in New York for many years before moving to Florida after his death. She was an avid reader. She and her husband loved the arts and frequently attended plays, the opera, the ballet, the symphony, museums etc. They also enjoyed dining and would often share an evening of dinner and a cultural event with friends and family. Violet loved to travel and experience other cultures and did so at every opportunity. Upon moving to Florida Violet became involved with AACHO (African American Caribbean Heritage Organization). Together with them she became involved in the struggle against domestic violence. She served as President of the Board for Safe House and was given a plaque of appreciation for her financial and faithful support to help abused women and children in Flagler County. She also volunteered at the Flagler County Library and became appointed to the Board of Trustees and Secretary. Other affiliations included the Northeast Jazz Society, the Association of University Women (AAUW) where she was Program Vice President and co-editor of the monthly newsletter, the Reading Women’s Group and the Afro American Cultural Society (AACS) where she was Assistant Editor of the Scribe. Violet was a devoted Christian. She was active in the WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church) Council for Outreach. She was a member of the board and then President of the Board of St Mark Day School. Violet loved her church and was an active supporter while Christ Lutheran was first being established. In 2006 the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation bestowed a Bronze award to her. The Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award for dedicating at least 2 years or 4,000 hours to serve others. Violet enjoyed having fun with friends. She enjoyed her bridge group every Wednesday. She remained physically active well into her 90s attending water aerobics three times per week. She remained mentally active not only by reading but by working on her computer doing emails or working on newsletters, etc. She loved tennis and was glued to the TV for all the grand slam tournaments. But above all this, Violet cherished her family and was always there for them. In recent years as she was no longer able to contribute in the same way as she had in the past, you could still see and feel her warmth, love and shining light in her smile. So now we say farewell to a wonderful citizen, social worker, colleague, volunteer, wife, sister-in-law, friend, aunt, cousin, sister, niece, and godmother. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Violet was a blessing and we will love her always.