Ms. Hilda Jewell Gordon
1950 - 2026
Ms. Hilda Jewell Gordon laid down to rest on February 3, 2026. A host of family and friends will always remember her unique way of speaking and the timbre of her voice. “Joy”, as some called her, was talented with a beautiful singing voice that she enjoyed utilizing in songs of praise in her congregation and Bible Study group. She often said that as a young person, she was highly regarded for her good looks in the community. As an adult she focused her energy not on outer beauty, but on teaching others about the “beauties” contained in the Bilble. Her artistic ability was one she enjoyed sharing with others. From painting pictures, to crafting, to decorating the homes she lived in, she was a unique visionary. Her final years were filled with enjoying friends, watching classic movies and cooking shows, talking on the phone, and even online shopping. She is proceeded in legacy by her husband, (John R. Gordon Jr), mother and father (Alveta Allegra Grice, Elmer Ray Barrett), her brother and sister (Anthony R. Barrett and Barbara P Alexander). She is survived by her son: Michael T. Gibson (LaChandra Gibson), Daughters: Allegra S. Jackson and Lorna M. Gibson (Blas Salas), also her honorary daughter Lydia Bagby. She left a tribe of grandchildren and great grandchildren that will remember her hand games, recipes, and puzzle time. In efforts to honor her wishes, there will be no open memorial service but we ask that you take a moment to reflect on the moments of laughter and times of joy she brought to your life. Live and love, forgive yourself often, and remember to move forward without dismay. As she would always say, “It’s the end of a thing that matters.”
Aunt Hilda will be truly missed. I haven’t seen her since I was a kid but I remember I would always cry when it was time to leave NC because I didn’t want to leave her yet.
Hilda and I were acquaintances for many years but became close over the last 2 years. I appreciated her zeal for teaching others about Jehovah and admired her endurance despite flash floods of adversity. I look forward to seeing her in perfect emotional and physical health in paradise!
I believe the first time I met Sister Gordon was on Zoom during the Covid period. The transition to video conferencing had its perks, and one of them was getting to hear her voice—soft, gentle, and yet full of richness, every thread pointing toward Jehovah. That’s something I’ve always loved about Jehovah’s people: they love Jehovah. And loving Jehovah and his Son teaches us so much—how to love, how to forgive, and how to endure tribulation.
As time went on, I had the privilege of getting to know her a little better when she was added to my field service group. That’s when her personality really began to shine through.
She wanted to be with the friends so much that one day she somehow escaped the Oaks, caught a taxi, and made her way to the Kingdom Hall—sitting all by herself about three or four rows on the right side of the auditorium. I was concerned, of course, but also amused. Only Sister Gordon could combine determination, independence, and devotion in a way that made you shake your head and smile at the same time.
She appeared gentle and timid, but speaking with her even briefly revealed the truth: she was neither timid nor shy. She was full of wisdom, full of love, and full of a quiet strength that had been shaped by years of relying on Jehovah.
Sister Gordon was no stranger to tribulations, but she managed them the best she could, leaning on Jehovah every step of the way. And besides her love for God and his Son, there was something else she talked about often—and she appreciated a good listener, so I’ve been schooled. She talked about her children. She was proud of them—their intelligence, their qualities, the people they became. You could hear the joy in her voice whenever she mentioned them.
I look forward to seeing Sister Gordon again in the resurrection, perfecting all those gifts she has with eternity in full view.
She once shared an experience about helping someone in the Oaks with just a simple conversation. It tied into one of her favorite songs, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. She used that moment to shine a little light on what the Bible says—why the world looks the way it does now, and what it will look like when all things are made new under God’s Kingdom.
Wherever she was, she found an opportunity to talk about Jehovah, his Son, and the hope of the Kingdom. That was her way—gentle, sincere, and full of faith.
I became friends with Hilda on Zoom. We kept in touch all the time. When she was accepted where she was living she would call me when she needed my help and I would always keep her company. We were best Sisters and we would take the time to pray together. I will miss her dearly. I will see her soon. We would go out to eat and shop most of the time! When she needed to get fresh air were drd.