Funeral services for Mrs. Carol Willis Gordon, age 84, will be held at 1 PM Monday, January 22, 2024 in the chapel of Shelton Funeral Home in Trenton, TN with Brent Smith officiating, interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening January 21, 2024 in the chapel of Shelton Funeral Home, where friends can pay their respects from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday January 22, 2024 from noon until service time. This is an opportunity for everyone who knew Carol Willis Gordon firsthand or admired her from afar to come together to honor her legacy after the many years she spent making the world a brighter place.
Carol Willis Gordon, a beloved member of the Trenton community, passed away on January 17, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. Born at home in Dyer County on January 1, 1940, Carol was the epitome of grace and kindness throughout her life.
Carol’s unwavering faith led her to become a long-time faithful member of the Trenton Church of Christ from 1962 until she drew her last breath. Her dedication to God and church was evident in every aspect of her life.
Professionally accomplished as well as personally fulfilled, Carol made history when she became the first employee at Gibson General Hospital in 1962, where she served as Chief Medical Technologist and Manager of the Lab for over four decades until 2005 and worked part-time until its closure in January 2014. Her commitment to healthcare touched countless lives within the community.
In retirement years filled with energy and enthusiasm for life itself, it was not uncommon to see Carol out walking around town during early morning hours or engaging in activities such as tennis matches, playing games with friends/family, or reading books that brought joy into her heart.
Her passion for being active extended even further through solving crossword puzzles and reading the bible, which challenged both mind & spirit alike – but above all else, nothing could compare with how much she loved spending time surrounded by those closest to her: Carol’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family; close friends Max Ragsdale, Marchell, and Phillip McCartney, and Johnny Ragsdale enhanced her life.
Carol is preceded by the death of her parents, Daniel Floyd Willis and Hazel (Ary) Willis; a granddaughter, Emily Carol Downey; her brother-in-law Larry Simmons, and her nephew Brent Simmons.
Carol is survived by her loving daughters Amy C. Downey and her husband Doug of White House, TN, and Kim Todd and her husband Don of Yorkville, TN. Her sister, Jo Ann Simmons of Trenton, TN. Her niece is Ann Fisher, and her husband is Derek of England. Her grandchildren Audrey Robertson and her husband Jacob of Hialeah, FL; Eli Todd and his wife Olivia of Lyman, SC; Taylor Bumbalough and her husband Bryce of White House, TN; Henry Todd and his wife Allie of Yorkville, TN, and great-grandchild Sterling Robertson with another one on the way, Elle Bumbalough.
A devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.
In Lieu of Flowers, Mrs. Gordon requests donations may be made to Trenton Church of Christ, 1714 S College St, Trenton, TN 38382, or The Trenton Foundation, 661 East College St, Dyer, TN 38330.
