Mrs. Gordon was the daughter of the late John Phillip Parker Sr. and Loraine Kirkley Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jimmy Hawkins Sr. and John Phillip Parker Jr., and her sister, Teresa Starnes.

Mrs. Gordon is lovingly survived by her husband, Jack Gordon, with whom she shared 46 years together and 41 years of marriage; her sons, Jeremy Parker and John Phillip Gordon; her adopted son, Demitrius Dawson; extended sons, Richard Richie and Jimmy Hanley; and her nephew, James Hawkins Jr.

Mrs. Gordon enjoyed crocheting and was an avid reader, especially of Stephen King novels.