Ms. Ernestine Gordon

Ernestine W. Gordon was born on August 31, 1932, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the only child of Mary Scott-Walker and Toy L. Walker. Her life began with both promise and profound loss, as her mother passed away unexpectedly during Ernestine’s infancy. Grounded in faith, Ernestine’s early years were shaped by resilience, love, and the strength of family. She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Toy and Mandi Walker; her husband, Walter L. Gordon; her daughter, Sherry Williams; and her brothers, Harvey Walker and Jake Walker. She relocated with her father and step-mother to Kansas City, Missouri, where she attended grade school and began building the foundation of a life marked by perseverance and grace. Summers were spent in Pine Bluff with her mother’s family, John and Mary (Sweet) Scott, where she deepened her connection to her roots and found comfort in the embrace of extended family. After high school, Ernestine made Kansas City her permanent home. In 1967, Ernestine married the love of her life, Walter L. Gordon. Together, they shared 40 beautiful years of marriage until Walter’s passing in 2007. A woman of extraordinary work ethic, Ernestine had successful careers at the Kansas City Star and Allstate Insurance. After raising six children, Ernestine returned to college in her fifties and proudly earned an associate’s degree from Penn Valley Community College, a testament to her lifelong commitment to growth and learning. Shortly thereafter, she found new purpose in education, joining Kansas City Public Schools as a Paraprofessional, where she served for 17 years while also working at Spofford Home for Youth, extending her care and compassion to children in need until her retirement in 2010. A passionate advocate for community service, Ernestine held several key volunteer leadership roles throughout her life. She served as President of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Executive Board Member of the American Federation of Teachers Local 691, and a member of the Election Board of Directors, Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City, NAACP, and The Red Hat Society. Ernestine accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful, active member of Grace Baptist Church for nearly forty years. Her life was a reflection of grace under pressure, joy in simplicity, and strength in faith. She taught those around her the value of kindness, the importance of family, and the beauty of perseverance. On October 25, 2025, Ernestine gained her wings, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and strength. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Bryan Walker and Mark Walker (Suni); three daughters, Mary Cole, Tamyra Gordon and Randi Gordon;sisters, Dorthene Buckman (Gerald), Clairetha Griggs (Stanley); sisters-in-law, Barbara Walker and Shirley Walker; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and beloved family friends Funeral services Saturday, November 8, at 10:00am at Grace Baptist Church. Interment Longview Cemetery.Visitation Saturday 9:00am-10:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Ernestine Gordon

August 31, 1932 - October 25, 2025