Myra Ann "Mara Anna" Gordon

Myra Ann (Marra Anna) Bates Gordon, 83, died January 2, 2026, in Dublin, Texas. Myra was born on April 20, 1942, in Oklahoma, but lived in Dublin for more than 45 years. Myra was a homemaker, an avid gardener, and a wonderful cook, with a special gift for nurturing children. Her happiest hours were spent outside, enjoying nature, and her many animals. Myra overcame much adversity in life with strength, determination, and faith. Despite some memory issues in her later years, Myra always remembered that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior, and that He would welcome her to her heavenly home with open arms.

Myra is survived by her children, Laura Kestner (John), Levera Garcia, Loretta Burns, Thomas Conner (Audra), Alton Conner, Jr. (Joyce), Phillip Conner (Tina), and David Conner, plus bonus daughter and longtime friend, Anna Horton, 19 grandchildren: Jordan, Coby, John, Adina, Bobby, Myra, Steven, Chilton, Jacob, Dante, Devin, Chilisse, Lacy, Maurianna, Tyson, Jacob, Valari, Micah, and Jessica, 25 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, sisters Nita McKinney and Mollie Higginbotham, brothers Gerald Bates, Kenneth Bates, and Robert Bates, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett Bates and Naoma Lovings Bates, husbands Jim Gordon and Rick Sutherland, her former husband (and father of her children) Alton Conner, Sr., brothers Coy Bates and Carl Bates, sisters Mary Ellen Barber and Sue Andrews, daughter-in-law Barbara Conner, sons-in-law Tony Garcia and Eddie Burns, and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Barbee Cemetery beginning at 2:00pm with Bro Burt Atkins officiating.