Lena Swift- Gordon

Lena Swift Gordon was born on July 6, 1933 in Prospect Tennessee. She was the youngest child of eleven children born to the late Grady and Eddie Lee Swift. She received her elementary education in Franklin, Tennessee.

Lena arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana in the early 1950’s with her family. After arriving in Indianapolis, Lena completed her secondary education at Broadripple High School. She became a faithful and devoted member of St. John AME church and choir for over 60 years.

Lena wed Louis Gordon on August 17, 1963. This union lasted 51 years and anchored a family that would include Louis, Lena and William �"Billy” Gordon. Lena was always known as a hard worker. She was employed at Western Electric for 24 years until the factory closed here in Indianapolis in 1985. After leaving Western Electric, she continued employment with the Indianapolis Public School System for many years.

Lena was known by her family as a matriarch to many and the one to give you �"motherly advice” whether you wanted to hear it or not. Sweet potatoes, sweet potato pie, carrot cake, turnip greens, pot roast, and macaroni n’ cheese where just a few of her family favorites. Lena was always a stately dresser and her love of hats and clothing was no surprise to those who truly knew her.

Lena Gordon passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Thursday, November 27, 2014. Lena leaves to cherish in her memory her devoted husband, Louis Gordon of Indianapolis; one son, William Gordon of Rochester, NY; one brother, John Swift (Alberta) of Rochester, NY; one sister, Delores Watson of Indianapolis; one grandson William Gordon, Jr. (Natalie) of Indianapolis; one granddaughter Jacqu’ia Fraction of Rochester, NY; two great grandchildren, Mychael and William Gordon III and a host of nieces and nephews. Lena is preceded in death by her parents Grady and Eddie Lee Swift, five sisters, and 4 brothers.