Richmond, Virginia
1914 - 2001
Dr. John B. Gordon Sr. was born on April 12, 1914, to the late Joseph Henry and Ellen Devolia Gordon of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
He was married to Thelma Mae (Busbee) Gordon of Bartow, Florida. John and Thelma had four children together.
John graduated from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Arts degree from the School of Theology. He was also a member of the East End Lodge No. 233, F&AM, P.H.A.
He was licensed and ordained by his uncle, Dr. P.A. Bishop, at his home church of First Baptist in Rich Square, North Carolina. He served as pastor at First Baptist Church, Hominy Village, Virginia; First Union Baptist Church, Chesterfield County, Virginia; Mangohick Baptist Church, King Williams County, Virginia; and St. John Baptist Church, Milford, Virginia.
Dr. Gordon also served in the Marine Corps as chaplain assistant for two years during World War II.
He served in many organizations including, president of Minister's Conference of Richmond and vicinity, moderator of the Shiloh Baptist Association, executive board of the YMCA, advisory board of the Lead Poisoning Agency, and board of director and treasurer of East End Development, Inc. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP, vice president of Minister's Fellowship of East End, executive board of Lott Casey Baptist, the Foreign Mission Convention, founder of Bethlehem Baptist Day Nursery, and former pastor of Bethlehem Baptist, 1920 Fairmount Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, for more than 30 years.
When he was afforded free time, he enjoyed fishing.
On Monday, June 11, 2001, Reverend John B. Gordon Sr. passed.
Dr. Gordon is survived by his daughter, Ethel Devolia Gordon Davis; sons Thurman W. Gordon and Vernon W. Gordon; ten grandchildren; and four great-granchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife; parents; and one son, John B. Gordon Jr.
Dr. John Bishop Gordon's influence will never be forgotten in the city of Richmond. His contributions and signature will forever remain in the minds and hearts of all who had the priviledge to know him. He will be greatly missed.
Belated Expression of Sympathy to the family. I knew Dr. Gordan as a young person and saw him as a roll model of a great christian, a wonderful husband and father. Your brother John was a long-time friend, and partner. As President of my AHS Class of 58 he led our class through many class reunions, the most recent, our 40th.
Jean Hall-Dabney
Jean Hall-Dabney
July 30, 2001 | Richmond, VA
just want to say that my heart goes out to all the family. i just lost my uncle on july 7th. we are all saddened by his loss. he was a born again christian, so that gives us comfort to know that. well god bless you all.
liz martinez
July 10, 2001 | Buena Park, CA
To the family and loved ones of Dr.John Bishop Gordon Sr. I'm sorry for your loss; I read his life story and what a remarkable man. He has left behind a great legacy.
Susan Sylvester
July 08, 2001 | Orono, ME
He was a great Pastor and Counselor, and he will be missed.
Earl Bledsoe
July 03, 2001 | Richmond, VA
I will always keep memories of you close to my heart! I love you granddaddy! Please give Grandmommy and Uncle Johnny a kiss for me.
Dawn Gordon Charleston
June 25, 2001 | Rochester, NY
I will always remember riding around Richmond in Granddaddy's car & seeing him shake hands and speak to everyone he saw. Then we'd go to the church for a while and I'd hear everyone go on about how great a man granddaddy is. I miss you Granddaddy and I still love cheese sandwiches!
Hugs & Kisses! Kim
Kimberly Gordon
June 25, 2001 | Mitchellville, MD
Daddy,
I know you are having fun now, fishing and singing with Mom on the Piano, and Johnny on the Tuba.
Your Son with Love,
Vernon
Missing You
Vernon Gordon
June 23, 2001 | Mitchellville, MD
We met Dr. Gordon many years ago when our Daughter Crystal attended daycare at Bethlehem. Mrs. Joyce Stevens was the director and Mrs. Ellis was her teacher. That was over 30 years ago as she is now 37.
It was a wonderful experience for us. Dr. Gordon was always smiling.
May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with yoi.
Sincerely.
The Brooks Family
Robert and Dorothy Brooks
June 22, 2001 | Rockville, VA
Dear Family & Friends of Dr. Bishop,
although I am a stranger I am sadden
by His passing. I am also glad he meant so much for so long to so many. It is apparent that he leaves
a LEGACY of joyous memories. Goodbye.
Thank You,
James Hathaway
JAMES HATHAWAY
June 21, 2001 | NORFOLK, VA
