Sandra Saye Gordon, 74, of Starkville, went quietly and peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, December 22, 2023 at her home in Starkville, surrounded by her family who loved her deeply. She passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
A Memorial Service will be held for her on Wednesday, December 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Starkville, Mississippi. The Reverend Jim Ormon, The Reverend Bob Whiteside, and The Reverend Dr. Jim Genesse will officiate, along with her son, The Reverend Brian Gordon, and her husband, The Reverend Dr. Prentiss M. Gordon, Jr. A time of visitation will precede the Memorial Service, from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p. m.
Sandra was born on March 14,1949 to Roy E. and Mabel Alderman Saye, in Starkville. She was born and raised in this community, was nurtured in her Christian faith, baptized, and confirmed at First United Methodist Church. In September, 1968 she would be married in that same church to Prentiss M. Gordon, Jr., a marriage that lasted over 55 years. She was a 1967 graduate of Starkville High School, and was a 1972 graduate of Mississippi State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, focusing on Secretarial Science. While at MSU, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and ROTC Angel Flight. Her degree in business served her well as a pastor’s wife, giving an open door to employment in the various communities they served in ministry.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Roy E. and Mabel Saye. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Prentiss M. Gordon, Jr., her children, The Reverend Brian Thomas Gordon (Charity), and her daughter, Lori Gordon Mosley (Chris); four grandchildren, Caroline Blaine Mosley, Sarah Mosley, Elizabeth (Libby) Gordon, and Nathan (Nate) Gordon. Also, surviving her is her brother James E. (Jim) Saye, of Montgomery, Alabama. Last, but not least, she is survived by her fur-babies, Wesley, Callie, Willie, and Bowser.
Sandra’s life was marked by an attitude toward life that was based in her Christian faith, possessing a deep commitment to God, her family, and her friends. She most likely came across to most people as shy and quiet, but make no mistake about it, beneath that quietness was a great love and deep commitment, especially toward her husband, her children, and lonely people who needed befriending. In one community, she served in a community-service group called Sharing Hearts, who had a weekly ministry with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. During worship services on Sunday she would pick out folks, especially older and widowed people, and would sit with them during worship. She had a servant heart.
Our special thanks goes out to the many caregivers and sitters who came into our home over these past several years. Also, many thanks to Legacy Hospice, who came and served her well, and to the many friends in our community and other places who have offered love and support.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that any memorials or gifts in her honor be directed to any organization related to Dementia/Alzheimer’s research, First United Methodist Church, Starkville, or to a charitable organization of your choice.
