Evelyn Anderson Gordon

In Loving Memory of Evelyn Anderson Gordon

Evelyn Lucretia Anderson Gordon, a loving mother, doting grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 101. She was born on April 9, 1922, in West Point, New York, while her father was serving at the United States Military Academy.

Evelyn was the daughter of the late Major Glenn Preston Anderson and Alice Lincoln Anderson, hailing from Marion, Virginia. She grew up in a close-knit family, alongside her brother, Glenn Preston Anderson Jr. of Johnson City, and sister, Alice Elizabeth Lindsey of Anderson, SC, both of whom have preceded her in death.

On May 31, 1942, Evelyn married the love of her life, Charles O. Gordon, Sr., with whom she shared 62 beautiful years until his passing in 2004. Together, they raised a loving family of six beautiful children and created countless memories.

Education was always of great importance to Evelyn. She completed her high school education at Marion High School in Marion, VA, and went on to attend Hollins College in Hollins, VA, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Later in life, she pursued and obtained a master’s degree in psychology from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, well after all her children had flown the nest. Despite not intending to use her degree professionally, Evelyn wanted to challenge herself and prove that she could succeed at earning the degree.

Evelyn’s social life revolved around her family. She and Charles were very involved in organizations pertaining to the family’s Scottish heritage. As her children matriculated through the Johnson City School System, she was involved in the PTA. In support of her daughter, Evelyn, who had Down Syndrome, she stayed involved in local organizations that supported special needs children and adults. Her children were raised attending Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church where she became involved in teaching Sunday School. She was a proud member for over 50 years and Past Regent of The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution John Sevier-Sarah Hawkins Chapter.

Evelyn wanted her children to see the world and enjoy travelling. She took them on numerous family vacations. She was quite the wanderlust. Since her father made his career in the Army, Evelyn spent her childhood travelling through the United States and the Philippines.

She had a great love for the outdoors. Evelyn’s childhood summers were spent at camp. In later years she enjoyed sending her children and grandchildren to summer camps. She became a beloved Girl Scout leader for many girls in Johnson City. Evelyn and the family spent many happy hours fishing in places as far flung as Canada and Florida as well as the local lakes around Johnson City.

When Evelyn was a teenager, she wanted to be a professional dancer when she grew up. When it came to the arts, she also painted portraits and landscapes, and she became well known for her paintings of Scottish Coats of Arms.

Evelyn followed in her parents’ footsteps with a love for playing bridge. It was a life-long hobby, along with sewing, needlework, and reading. She also enjoyed playing golf on a regular basis.

Along with her husband, parents, brother and sister, Evelyn is predeceased by three of her children; Jack Curtis Gordon, Marion Lucretia Gordon, and Evelyn Sexton Gordon.

Evelyn’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Mary Alice Hardin, of Chilhowie, VA; her sons, Charles "Chuck" Gordon Jr. and his wife, Betsy, of Johnson City, and Robert Preston Gordon, and his wife Sherry, of Charlotte, NC; and daughter-in-law, Lucy Carriger Gordon of Johnson City. She was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and enjoyed spending time with.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Abundant Christian Living, formerly Cornerstone Village, where Evelyn resided for 17 years, as well as Oakmont at Gordon Park, where she spent her final year. Their care and support allowed Evelyn to live comfortably and warmly during her later years.

Evelyn will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Monte Vista Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Evelyn's memory to the Salvation Army’s Charles O. Gordon Center of Hope; 200 Ashe St. Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 926-8901, as she was always a strong advocate for helping those in need.

Evelyn Anderson Gordon will forever be remembered for her unwavering love, gentle and adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Her legacy of strength and resilience will continue to inspire generations to come. Evelyn’s soul has now found eternal peace.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Gordon family. (423) 282-1521