Dorothy S. Gordon Thomas

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Dorothy Stevens Gordon Thomas, who entered eternal rest after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. She faced every challenge with grace, faith, and a gentle, kind, and tender spirit that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, stepmother, and friend. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 34 years, Clyde Lathan Gordon; her father, Roy Stevens; her beloved mother, Della McKeown; her sister, Macie Stevens; her brothers, Wilbur Stevens and Roy Stevens; and her dear grandson, Luke Byars.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 20 years, Larry Thomas, who stood by her side with unwavering love and devotion. She was a cherished mother to Debbie Byars (David) and Michael Gordon (Janet) and a devoted stepmother to Lisa Ward (Rich) and Wendy McDaniels. She also found great joy in her grandchildren: Hannah B. Simmons (Seth), Lauren G. Hindes (Zach), Emily G. Baker (Jeremy), and Corey Gordon (Andrea), as well as her step-granddaughters, Kendall Ward, Cassidy McDaniels, and Breanna McDaniels. She was further blessed with great-grandchildren: Lathan & Walker Simmons, Adalyn & Landon Hindes, and Levi Baker, who brought endless light and happiness to her life. She also leaves behind her beloved brother, David Stevens (Kathy), with whom she shared a deep and lifelong bond and numerous nieces and nephews.

Faith was at the heart of Dorothy’s life. She was a faithful and active member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church for over 30 years, serving wholeheartedly in ministries such as Big Fish Youth Ministry, Awanas, Sunday School and wherever she was needed. She also cherished being a part of the Red Hat Club. Her servant’s heart extended beyond her community—she traveled on several mission trips, both within the United States and abroad, spreading love and faith wherever she went.

When she married Larry Thomas in 2005, she gained not only a loving husband but also a loving church family at First Baptist Church of Matthews. There, she served as President of the Gleaners Sunday School Class, was an avid participant in Bible study groups, Women’s Ministry and found great joy in caring for babies in the nursery.

Professionally, Dorothy dedicated over 25 years of service to Interstate/Johnson Lane, where she was respected and admired by her colleagues.

Her legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones, and in the presence of her Lord.

The family will receive friends during a visitation at 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 PM on March 19th at First Baptist Matthews, 185 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC. After the service, the family will gather for a private burial at Forest Lawn West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Matthews or VIA Health Partners (Hospice) in her memory. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.

She was deeply loved, and she will never be forgotten.