Lee IV and Frank were born, educated, married, and began their families using her model. Lee's wife, Jill Newbold Folger, became to us the daughter we always wanted but could not have. Their children, Lee V and Allie, formed one part of a cohort of grandchildren. From Frank and Caroline Stovall Folger, Jourdan, David and Kathryn. They lit her life with raucous, loving gatherings and holidays here and in Chapel Hill. She was never happier.
Her beloved younger brother Frank added to the mix from Minneapolis with Frances Rudolph Wilkinson. Their children Smith (Jenna), Ellie (Rajeev), Charlotte (Garrett) and Ben (Kelley) joined the two families for gatherings, melding the families together through her brother's creative generosity, despite the time and distance. Frank and Frances are also blessed with grandchildren Scottie, Josie, and Westray.
Gordon began working on behalf of women's needs and development using career counseling; first as head of the Women's Center of Wake County giving confidence and guidance to those who appeared at the doorstep. She was asked to head up the Career Counselor office at Meredith College where she built an office and staff that enabled her to bring all her skills together as one. There is much to be said for Meredith.
Gordon drew support and friendship from all corners, whether at an official Hollins College gathering, at work, traveling, with the Cameron Park Sisterhood, or surrounded by family.
She was born in Rocky Mount to Francis Smith Wilkinson and Dorothy Battle Wilkinson on November 18, 1935. She will be interred at the Battle Family Private Cemetery at a turn in the Tar River, Edgecombe County, just outside Rocky Mount at a location that she helped develop and loved. This will follow a funeral service at Christ Church, downtown Raleigh, on October 4th at 2:00pm. She was dedicated to the church and they provided her with care, counseling, and communion in those final difficult months of her illness.
The time we were given through the extraordinary skill and care of Dr. James Parsons was priceless. He sought to give us another year "on the porch" following her accident, and in fact, gave us two. He brought a caring staff headed by Julie Sutherland, Yvonne Smith and Susan Potter who showered Gordon with love and expert care.
Gordon listed for me several favorite organizations that were special to her. Hollins College, Preservation North Carolina, Meredith College and Christ Church. I will be sending gifts to each in her memorial.
Goodbye, precious Darling,
With Love,
Lee III
