Sadie Beatrice Gordon Martell

Sadie Beatrice Gordon, born September 14,1944, in Madison County, Alabama, completed her earthly journey at the age of 81 after more than eight decades filled with love, wisdom, and a profound impact on those she knew and loved. She leaves behind a legacy that touched generations and a spirit that will never be forgotten.

Sadie was the beloved daughter of Percy Cornelius Gordon and Percy Mae (Chunn) Gordon, and one of ten siblings raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Her early years were shaped by her love for her family and the musical talents of her siblings. Those foundations stayed with her throughout her life.

At an early age, Sadie showed a love for education skipping the third grade. She graduated from Councill Training School in Normal, Alabama, in 1963. She began her professional career with IBM in Huntsville, Alabama, before transferring to Houston, Texas, where she was recognized for her contributions to the historic Apollo/Saturn mission in 1972. Sadie was a real-life “Hidden Figure.” She went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration from Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois. She taught English in Seoul, Korea, worked as a substitute teacher in Waukegan, Illinois, spoke fluent Spanish, read music as well as played piano. Sadie was an inspiration to many. 

Sadie was a trailblazer, and in many ways ahead of her time. She often expressed her sharp wit and humor through her own unique language. Playful sayings like “We skying up!” and "Whoop it Lou!” became family treasures and will be remembered with laughter and love. Sadie loved Motown and blues classics, especially Aretha Franklin and B.B. King, and could light up any room with her joyful singing and dancing. In her youth, she was known to win school dance contests taking home a box of peanut brittle as the top prize, a story she loved to retell. Her fashion sense was legendary—always elegant, always bold—and in her own way, she was a star to everyone who knew her.

Sadie was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers—Elmore, Walter Sr., Alex, George, John, and Edward “Lee” Gordon; and her baby daughter, Regina Beatrice Martell. She is survived by her five children—daughters Natasha Martell Jackson, Tamika Maria Price, and Monica Monique Bencomo; sons Higinio Martell III, and Gordon Ricardo Martell; three sisters—Tildie Gaines, Bertha Gildon, and Hattie Scott; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Sadie’s legacy lives on in her wit, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family. Her favorite scripture was John 3:16, and her life was a living testament to that promise of love and grace. May her memory continue to inspire all who knew her.