Duke L Gordon

Duke was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica West Indies on January 21, 1927. He was the sixth child of thirteen born to Walter Gordon & Olivia Shaw Gordon. He attended the Barracks School as a young child.

Like most Jamaicans, Duke and his siblings had very modest upbringings. He learned the trade of making shoes, working as a cobbler and managing a shop in Spanish town. Years later, Duke left that shop and found work as a prison guard, working alongside a gentleman named Winston Staples. His sister, Polly continued to manage the shoe business as Duke worked in prison.

During this time, Sandra Beverly Gordon, the first of his four children was born. Wanting a better life for himself and his daughter, Duke left for the United States, eventually settling in Brooklyn, New York in 1962.

It was there he met a beautiful British-trained nurse named Marsha Fermina Davis. Marsha was a fellow Jamaican native from Westmoreland, the half-sister of Winston Staples who actually introduced them. According to family legend, Marsha wasn’t initially thrilled with her suitor. Nonetheless, Duke was earnest in his pursuit and he and Marsha were engaged six months later. They were married on July 23, 1963 at Concord Baptist church in Brooklyn.

Five years later, Dana Lynton Gordon, Duke's second child, was born. Nicole Michelle Gordon followed three years later and Galen Christian Gordon a year after that.

Duke found work at Trans World Airlines (TWA) as both he and Marsha, a registered nurse, sought to improve the quality of life for their family. They purchased a new home in Westbury, Long Island and moved all four kids under one roof in 1973.

Duke and Marsha built a strong family unit based on their faith in God and fellowship at Westbury Gospel Tabernacle. The kids grew up in the church and the parents were active members of the Westbury family.

Sandra, Dana, Nicole, and Galen all graduated from Westbury High School. Sandra went on to serve her country in the United States Army. Dana, Nicky, and Galen all attended Oral Roberts University and graduated with various degrees. Today Sandra is a Department of Defense civilian medical coordinator and US Army veteran. Dana is a financial adviser. Nicole owns a medical practice as a gastroenterologist. And Galen is a network executive producer at ESPN.

Duke and Marsha retired and moved to Coral Springs, Florida in 1998. They found a church home at Praise Tabernacle, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Duke also took pride in his gardening as many church members and community associates can attest. He often gave his vegetables and produce away.

Duke Gordon is survived by his wife, Marsha F. Gordon; four sisters, Icilida Chambers of Brooklyn, NY, Doris Degalaur of Manchester, Jamaica, Winifred Harriet, of Spanish Town, Jamaica, Daphne Moore of Roanoke, Virginia and Ruby St. Clair of Spanish Town, Jamaica; Four children, Sandra B. Christopher of Augusta, Georgia, Dana L. Gordon of Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Nicole M. Gordon-Moton of Mableton, Georgia and Galen C. Gordon of Bloomfield, Connecticut; seven grandchildren, Jerry L. Washington, Ebony N. Washington, Alexis P. Gordon, Jayden C. Gordon, Kayla D. Moton, Landon R. Moton and Blake C. Gordon; one great-grandchild Reggie S. Vicere. Others include two daughters-in-law, Shirlene Gordon and Adrienne Stewart-Gordon; one son-in law, Patrick L. Moton, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.