Ella N Gordon

Ella N. Gordon was born to Charlie and Sarah Nelson on May 1, 1927 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was the tenth of eleven siblings. Ella was called home on November 15, 2012; she is preceded in death by her mother, father and all of her brothers and sisters.

At an early age, Ella opened her heart and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and quickly developed a servant’s heart. Not only was Ella a servant in the kingdom but she served God’s people naturally as well. She served proudly as a housekeeper for several families and even as a seamstress for White Stag. Ella’s greatest service was to her family, as she would often send money to financially assist her mother. This made Ella very proud and she often shared this story with her children.

In her early years Ella became of member of Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church where she served on the usher board ministry. While catching the bus to work one day, Ella caught the attention of Wilbert Gordon. He pursued her while she ignored him. He told her that he knew she was going to be his wife. She told him that it remained to be seen. On May 16, 1954, they united in marriage in Fairbanks, Alaska. To this union two children were born, Verla Mae Gordon and Demetrius Wilbert Gordon

Ella and Wilbert spent their year’s together living in Anchorage, Alaska and Portland, Oregon. Ella’s servant’s heart inspired her to get involved. She became a member of both Greater Friendship Church in Fairbanks, Alaska and New Hope Baptist Church in Anchorage. She served faithfully as an usher and Deaconess in both ministries.

After relocating to Portland, Oregon in 1979, with her family, Ella became a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and served as deaconess. In 1987, Ella felt God calling her to serve at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where she became a chartered member. Ella busied herself in the work of the Lord serving wherever there was a need. She helped plan and execute the Vacation Bible School for the youth, labored in the Esther Circle, served as a Deaconess in the ministry and shared her wisdom on the Mother’s Board. Ella was truly loved and cherished by her church family. Many developed a close and personal relationship with her and called her “Mom”.

Ella had a heart and love for God’s people. She was a mother, grandmother and even godmother to many. Her first ministry was always to her family. She was active and present in the fullness of their lives. From her children to her Great Grand Children, she was always available to give advice and be involved in every aspect of their upbringing.

Ella enjoyed sewing, cooking and shopping. “Oh, could she shop!” Taking pride in her appearance, Ella was a woman of elegance and style. She was such a talented seamstress that she could sew any garment from an Alaska Parka to a three-piece suit. Ella made sure she was matched from head-to-toe.

Ella will be remembered and cherished always for her feistiness, sense of style and her genuine heart. Her humorous ways of affection and the showing of her love is how those who knew her best knew they were truly loved.

Ella will be remembered by her husband of 58 years, Wilbert Gordon. Her two children; Verla Gordon and Demetrius Gordon (Cindy) of Portland, Oregon. Three grandchildren; Cindra Shuntel Gordon (Fred), Coy Patricia Done and Shalonda McGhee (Herbert). Her three great-grandchildren Dyvisha Gordon, William Gordon-Robinson and Ameerah Thieran. A close niece, Gloria Holmes. Two God-children; Ronda Taylor-Link and Jeffrey Ward. She will also be remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends