Mrs. Eloise Dawson Gordy

Mrs. Eloise Dawson Gordy, affectionately known as "Ms. Honey," passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at her residence. Funeral services were held privately by the family. Public viewing was held on Monday, September 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM.

She was born in Washington County, Sandersville, Georgia on September 27, 1929, to the parentage of the late Rev. Homer O. Dawson and the late Mrs. Lora Ella Carter Dawson. She spent her early childhood on the family farm where she worked along with her seven siblings.

Mother Gordy received her early education in the Pearson Grove Community School. Later she attended and graduated from Thomas Jefferson Elder School in Sandersville, Georgia where she was Salutatorian of her class of 1946. After graduation, she continued her education at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the first of her siblings to graduate high school and attend college. She returned to Washington County where she was employed by the Washington County School System for over thirty (30) years. She worked as secretary at the Davisboro Elementary School and as a paraprofessional at T.J. Elder Primary School and D.D. Crawford Primary School. She was very active in her community, working with the Home Demonstration Agency Club where they shared cooking, sewing, and creative artwork.

Mother Gordy knew and understood the importance of education and made sure that her children, grands, and great grands understood that as well. She made sure she was present for graduations, school programs, and other events. She encouraged them with words and special gifts as each traveled the road to higher education. She truly believed that a good education would help to make for a brighter future for her family. Therefore, she put her faith to work. If something was needed for classwork, etc. she made sure the children had it; even if she forsook her own needs or desires at that time. She graciously gave of herself to help build a strong educational foundation for her children, grands, and greats.

Mother Gordy joined Gordy Grove Church of God-in-Christ at an early age where she served faithfully and tirelessly until her health declined. She served in numerous capacities including secretary, treasurer, and church mother. Mother Gordy was an avid SundaySchool Scholar. She loved putting questions to the Sunday school teacher and class which made them search and dig a little deeper into the scriptures. She loved to praise the Lord in the dance and beat her tambourine. She loved singing her favorite songs and was most happy when her oldest son Robert, Jr. accompanied her on the piano. Some of her favorite songs include: “To God Be The Glory,” “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” “Yield Not to Temptation,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “Nobody Greater.” Sundays meant church; and Homecoming and Revival season meant "get your clothes, hats, and shoes out and get the car ready,” because Mother Gordy was excited and ready to go to the "Big Meetings." As in the scripture Psalm 122:1 "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord," so was Mother Gordy. Mother Gordy's love for God, her church, and family was clearly evident in her daily life. Her faith in God was steadfast and never wavered-even in the midst of adversity and illness.

On March 6, 1950, Eloise married the late Mr. Robert Daniel Gordy, Sr. This union was blessed with seven children: Gwendolyn, Robert Jr., David, Deborah, Mary, Cornelius, and Berry.

She was preceded in death by her husband the late Mr. Robert Daniel Gordy, Sr.; siblings: Ms. Roberta Dawson, Ms. Deborah Sparks, Ms. Elizabeth Whitehead, Mr. Timothy Dawson, Mr. Homer Dawson, and Mr. Cornelius Dawson; granddaughter: Mrs. Yolanda Shari’ Coar; and a great-granddaughter: Ms. Whitney Deneyce Jordan.

She will always be cherished by her devoted children: Mrs. Gwendolyn Gordy Murphy, Warner Robins, Georgia; Mr. Robert Daniel Gordy, Jr. Atlanta, Georgia; Mr. David (Darlene) Gordy, Sandersville, Georgia; Mrs. Deborah Anne Gordy (Rev. Samuel) Duggan, Sparta, Georgia; Mrs. Mary Lucy Gordy (Tony) Hurt, Milledgeville, Georgia; Mr. Reginald Cornelius Gordy, Sandersville, Georgia; Mr. Berry Renard (Brenda) Gordy, Sandersville, Georgia; one sister: Rev. Wilhelmina Dawson Ross, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; sisters-In-Law: Ms. Bettye Dawson, West Palm Beach, Florida, Ms. Delores Dawson, Riviera Beach, Florida; thirteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.