Bettie Mae Gordon

Bettie Mae Gordon was born on October 3, 1937 in Douglasville, Georgia to Johnnie Johnson and Annie Williams; both preceded her in death. Bettie had two siblings, Bishop Johnnie L. Johnson who preceded her in death and Bishop William Johnson of Old Hickory, Tennessee. Bettie departed this life on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

On September 25, 1954, Bettie married her teenage sweetheart, Clarence Gordon, affectionately called Hen. From this union were born eight children. She was a devoted wife and mother. Bettie loved spending time with Clarence at Bengals games, on vacations and New York City shopping trips. Bettie was known for her delicious Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. Her family referred to her as the Lieutenant Sergeant Major because she kept us all in line. Fashion was Bettie’s passion and shopping was her favorite pastime. She was a talented seamstress, fashion designer, kitchen hairdresser, church youth leader and Sunday School teacher. Bettie was a known prayer warrior, counselor to many and one of the lead singers in the Harvest Choir at Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple. She was the wife of a Sunday School Superintendent and she helped him to be “on time, on time for Sunday School today.” Bettie had a lot of practical knowledge. She taught us everything and we had to do it her way or we would have to do it all over again.

In September of 1954, Bettie and Clarence were baptized in Jesus Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the pastorate of the late Bishop Elzie W. Young at Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Church, 814 Hopkins Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the 1980’s, Bettie became a member of Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple under the pastorate of the late Bishop Paul A. Bowers and later served under Bishop LaVelton Daniel.

Bettie’s pride and joy was her family. She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Jonathan Gordon; daughters, Marchell (Julian) Short, Denise Gordon, Kimberlee Ann Williams, Carolyn (Avery) Murry and Crystal Gordon; grandchildren, Dawnesha Kemp, Niakia Gordon, Clarence Eugene Gordon, Steven, Curtis, Michael and Robin Short, Diamond and Theo Williams, Avery Jr. and Carrington Murry; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Bishop William (Ruth) Johnson; special cousin, Sarah Clyde Whitaker; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Clarence Gordon, Sr.; two sons, (infant Samuel Gordon) and Clarence Gordon, Jr.; and grandson, Jamal Gordon.

Upon the families request, please make donations to A Place For Seniors Adult Daycare Center, located in Green Hill, 40 Eswin St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45218.

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