She was born on May 12, 1929 in Woodbury, TN to Ray and Briddie Belle (Bryson) Smith. Nora spent her earlier years in TN and worked for a short time at the Veteran’s Hospital in Murfreesboro prior to marrying, in 1949, Eddie Lee Gordon (deceased 1990). She had two children, Debra Darlene Gordon Pacheco (deceased 2010) and Ronnie Lee Gordon (deceased 2012). Also pre-deceased son-in-law Joe Pacheco and three brothers: Marvin, William, and Charles Smith.
Nora is survived by her daughter-in-law Cheryll Gordon; four grandchildren, Kristine Gordon Alfonzo (Richard); Shannon Gordon Shepard (Damon): Roxanne Gordon Stalzer (Chris); and Damon Pacheco (Cassie); eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers in IN: Fred, Ray, Jr. and Jerry Smith; and three sisters, Pauline (Baker) Brower, TN; JoAnn (Dulaney) McDonald, FL, and Betty Barlow, IN, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nora lived in Phoenix most of her life prior to moving to Las Palmas Grande in Mesa where she lived for 11 years and then resided in Discovery Point Independent Living in Mesa; Desert Breeze Assisted Living in Chandler and Markesh Assisted Living in Chandler.
Having lived a very fulfilling life, Nora designed and made clothing for the original Cabbage Patch Dolls, started Design by Elzar Jewelry line, and also dabbled in antique buying, refinishing, and selling. Numerous volunteer positions included helping at her children’s schools; St. Mary’s Food Bank; and along with other members of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, she crocheted hundreds of caps for our armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to wear under their helmets to help keep their scalps cool.
Many thanks go out from her family for the loving care she received at Desert Breeze and Markesh Assisted Living, and Companion Care, especially in her last days. She chose her resting place to be next to her daughter at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, with burial services following at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Nora’s family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
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