Photo by Shawn Nowlin
Front row, left to right, Vicki Huffman (close family friend), Joyce Gordon (the birthday girl), Debbie Estep (close family friend) and Alexis Williams (granddaughter). Back row, left to right, Ron Binner (son-in-law), Kimi Binner (oldest daughter), Timothy Gordon (son), Dawn Myers (youngest daughter) and Mic Gordon (daughter-in-law).
Shawn Nowlin
shawn.nowlin@ourvalley.org
Joyce Gordon is not your average 90-year-old. Born on August 28, 1930, in a little house on Cypress Street in Salem, Gordon has lived a story-book worthy life that has always been centered around family.
Her loved ones wanted to do something special to celebrate her birthday this year. Because of COVID-19, they had to get creative so the idea of a drive-by celebration was agreed upon. Members of the Salem community drove to Joyce’s house last Friday to congratulate her on reaching the milestone. Present for the birthday gathering included close friends Vicki Huffman and Debbie Estep, granddaughter Alexis Williams, in-laws and her three children – Timothy, Dawn and Kimi.
“Mother has always made holidays and birthdays very special for our family. We all get together for big meals and fun times. This is the time that we talk about all the good moments we’ve shared,” Kimi said. “As children, we would often go camping for summer vacations to the mountains and beaches. Many happy memories were made around the campfire too.”
One of Dawn’s favorite memories throughout her childhood was playing baseball at the annual church picnic. “I remember one time mother stepped up to bat, and the guys in the outfield started moving infield. ‘The church organist couldn’t possibly hit the ball very well,’ they thought. Well, she totally smoked them with a homerun. Being a lady, she let one of the kids run the bases for her,” she said.
Growing up, Joyce attended Academy Street and Broad Street School before graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in 1948. She furthered her education at Southern Pilgrim College in North Carolina until her mother became ill which forced her to come home and help out with the family. She later worked for American Oil Company, in the local Kroger’s office and for 33 years at Valleydale, retiring as an accountant.
Joyce married the love of her life, Marvin Gordon, on September 23, 1949. Two years after their marriage, Marvin was drafted into the Army which began an exciting chapter in their lives. During the Korean War, he was sent to Germany and Joyce was able to join him for six months. Until his passing in 2018 due to a massive stroke, the two were happily married for 69 years.
Two weeks after losing her soulmate, Joyce had to have double by-pass heart surgery. “There was a long recovery afterward. Shortly after, the doctors discovered cancer. This led to chemo and radiation treatments for weeks. It was a difficult time, but she didn’t let it get her spirit down. Another cancer was soon discovered, multiple myeloma. This meant more doctor appointments, tests and treatments,” Kimi said.
She added, “Still, her attitude remained hopeful. After another surgical procedure, it was discovered that her cancer had spread to her lungs. We are currently having more tests done to see what the possibilities are. She is a strong believer in the power of prayer.”
When Joyce speaks about her family, her face just lights up. When asked of some life advice she can give others, she replied, “Make as many memories as possible with your loved ones.” lo
