Jocelyn Gordon

Miss Elizabeth Jocelyn Gordon was born June 24, 1923 in Spray N.C. (now Eden, N.C.) and entered Heaven on December 13, 2015 at the Hospice House of Rockingham County, Wentworth, N.C. to join the company of saints around God's Throne. Jocelyn was preceded in death by her parents, The Reverend and Mrs. William Jones Gordon; her brother The Rt. Reverend William Jones Gordon, Jr. ; her sisters Nancy Gordon Dameron, Almeria Reston Gordon, Laura Clark Gordon Williams and Mary Irwin Gordon. She is survived by sister Grace Pless (husband, Dr.Cecil Pless) of Asheville, N.C.; sister-in-law, Shirley Gordon of Fairbanks, Alaska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and beloved Godchildren. Jocelyn's father, The Reverend William Jones Gordon, was the first rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Spray,N.C.) and in 1925 oversaw the building of the present edifice, known as the "Rock Church." Jocelyn was a life- long member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and kept in loyal contact with the congregation of St. Luke's no matter her location over the years.

Miss Gordon was a graduate of Leaksville High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with a secondary Concentration Major in Bible from Flora MacDonald College, Red Springs, N.C. In 1946, she received a Graduate degree from Columbia Bible College,(CIU), Columbia, S.C. with a Concentration in Missions and Evangelism. She was a disciplined life time student and teacher of the Bible who ably translated biblical knowledge and truth through her words, actions and a commitment to God.

Early in Miss Gordon's life she utilized her educational base and theory in Home Economics and Bible to pioneer the organization of a Day Care Center for children in the textile community of Schoolfield, Va. She served the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of East Carolina as a missioner in several mission centers devoted to child care and salient family dynamics as well as the spiritual growth of families in the rural milieu of Eastern North Carolina. In 1949, with additional education, experience and an open spirit to God's will, Miss Gordon received an appointment to India under the auspices of The Bible Churchman's Missionary Society of the Church of England where she faithfully served for twenty five years. While in India, she taught and worked in Christian Education and taught adult literacy classes to Hindu and Muslim woman and was actively involved in the work of evangelism in a number of educational settings including a university setting. Miss Gordon worked in Northern India and for seven years lived in sight of the Taj Mahal. The book, 30 BIBLE STORIES for Church Planters by the Ingrams?��Ǩ�Ѣ was strongly supported by Jocelyn by collaboration and fund raising. She worked in New York City with International students offering mentorship programs and Bible studies at various campus locations in the city as well as the Ministry of St. Paul's House. Miss Gordon worked for six years as a teacher and mentor to Native American girls in South Dakota at a boarding school.

Upon return to Eden, N.C., her hometown, she remained active in her church up until a few days before her death. In Eden, early upon her return, she taught an ecumenical community Woman's Bible Class. Jocelyn worked very closely with The Saturday Church School, also an ecumenical group. She served in various roles at St. Luke's Episcopal Church such as Education, Stewardship, Evangelism, and always Outreach. Miss Gordon was the exemplification of a great prayer warrior for others and herself in seeking to know God's will and call. She was a strong advocate for "networking" and she maintained close ties with other Missionaries, Clergy, Educators and Lay Persons through a myriad of conferences and others means of communication. She enjoyed greatly The New Wine Skins Conference.

A Memorial Service for Miss Gordon will be held December 19, 2015, 3pm at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 600 Morgan Road in Eden, N.C. with Fr. Wheigar J. Bright as Officiate. Interment will follow at Overlook Cemetery, Eden, N.C.

A visitation will be held one hour before Service 1:45pm to 2:45 pm in Hairston Lounge at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Memorials for Miss Elizabeth Jocelyn Gordon can be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church: 600 Morgan Road. Eden, N.C. 27288.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com