Mary Ann Miller Gordie

She was born on October 17, 1942, in Iredell County, to Willie Lee Miller and the Late Louise Turner Miller.

Mary Ann was a graduate of Morningside High School. She furthered her education at Livingston College in Salisbury, NC earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1963.

On June 9, 1962 Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart Robert Lee Gordie, Sr. who passed away in December of 2011. Mary Ann and Robert were married for 49 years, but their love affair lasted for well over fifty years, and they were the most loving and caring couple. They truly epitomized what romantic love means, and each knew how special they were to the other. Now they are together in heaven as much in love as ever.

After Mary Ann graduated from Livingstone College she accepted her first teaching position at Morningside School, which is now the former A.D.R. Elementary School. She was only nineteen when she began teaching, but she knew then that she wanted to be the best teacher she could be. After integration of the schools in Iredell County, Mary Ann was assigned to a teaching position at Northview Elementary School. She reluctantly accepted this assignment, but found that it was the best move for her career. She was certified to teach grades kindergarten through sixth, but the majority of her career she taught second grade. She often expressed to others that second grade was her “first love” and where her passion remained.

In 1993 Mary Ann retired from the Iredell-Statesville School System after serving thirty years. It seems as though she taught the majority of individuals in Statesville. She could often be heard saying to people she saw out “Didn’t I teach you?” Most often the answer was “Yes Mrs. Gordie, you did.” She loved all of her former students, and they loved her. She was nominated and published in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers by one of her former students, which was a cherished honor for her. Knowing that she had such an impact on her students helped her understand that she was a valued and cherished educator.

After she retired she began working more closely with her church and other civic organizations, and helping prepare her son for college. She was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church where she was former Chair of the Steward Boards, member of the Deaconess Board, Hymn choir member, Inspirational Choir member, W.H.O.M. Society member, and Praise Team member. She loved her church and served in any capacity that she could to God’s glory.

Mary Ann was also a member of the Concord-Kannapolis graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), and the Order of Eastern Star Melissa Chapter, and the Statesville Women’s Club.

In addition to her beloved Robert, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Turner Miller, infant sister Vonnie Miller, a half-sister, Daisy Ann Holmes and several other aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her son, Robert Gordie, Jr.; daughter, Elaine Scott Patterson (Gary) of Hickory, NC; god daughter Denise Parker Gillespie (Todd) of Harmony, NC; father, Willie Lee Miller; sisters, Brenda Parker (Willard) of Harmony, NC and Mildred Scott; brothers Willie Edward Miller (Josephine) and Kenneth Miller; god sister Mary Helen Moten; great aunt, Aileen Donaldson; special cousin Adell White all of Statesville, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be conducted Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Reginald Keitt will give the eulogy. Burial will follow in Iredell Memorial Park.

Pallbearers and flower bearers will be the men and women of Bristol Road Senior Group.

Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church “Building Fund,” P.O. Box 94, Statesville, NC 28687.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements for the Gordie family.