Estella E. Gordon

Estella Emma Spencer Gordon (Stella) was born October 26, 1941, to Lillian and George Spencer, Sr. She was the youngest of twelve children. Stella ascended to Heaven's Pearly Gates on April 4, 2025, after a brief illness at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

She received her early education from Wilmington Public Schools and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1960. Stella met and married the love of her life, Jimmie Gordon. From this union of 62 years, three children were born: Mikko Gordon, Raylyne M. Gordon White-Thompson and Jimmie Gordon, ll (deceased, 2019).

Stella was a dedicated member of Mother U.A.M.E. Church for 55 years. She served in multiple roles within the church, including the choir, the Usher Board, and as a Trustee. She also founded and managed the Penn Sisters Gospel Choir at Mother U.A.M.E Church. Stella was recognized for having the most family members attend the annual Family and Friends Day,

Stella shared a very close spiritual relationship with Reverend Irene Dutton. Together, they were two peas in a pod-connected both personally and through God. Reverend Dutton and her daughter, Wendy, would often have dinner at the Gordon home on Sundays after service before returning to Philadelphia.

Stella was also a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post#12, as well as the Turtle Traveling Club.

She worked for many years as a nanny for private families and also as a hairdresser and a cook at the University of Delaware. However, Stella's true calling was being a phenomenal wife and an extraordinary mother. her love for her husband and children was evident in all things; their needs always came first. The family enjoyed outings during the early years and hosted many special occasions in their home throughout the decades.

Stella was the Spencer family's go-to-person-always caring for the elders and ensuring that everything was done decently and in order. She kept an immaculate home and found joy in decorating, wallpapering, gardening and cooking.

A true fashionista, Stella's hair was always impeccable, and her wardrobe was a reflection of her vibrant personality. Just about any day of the week, you could find Stella hanging out in her kitchen, talking with family and friends while preparing meals for her husband and children- her kitchen was her sanctuary.

On Friday nights Stella would cook fried fish, fried potatoes and broccoli. She made award winning corn pudding, and her freshly brewed Lipton tea with lemon- affectionately known as Stella's Own Iced Tea-was always in the fridge. She also loved barbecuing with the famous Gordon BBQ sauce.

On summer days and evenings, you could find Stella on her front porch, chatting with family, friends and neighbors. She was affectionately known as The Mayor of the Block at 26th and Madison, always greeting everyone with a kind word and a warm smile.

Stella's home was truly a sight to behold during the Christmas season. Her collection of Black Santa Clauses was celebrated by all who visited, as she embraced the true reason for the season-Jesus Christ.

Stella leaves to cherish her memory: Daughters; Mikko Gordon, Raylyne M. Gordon White-Thompson and Devoria Gordon. Grandchildren: DeVon Dickerson(whom she raised), Sonja, Jimmie Gordon-Jones,lll, Michael Gordon, Zira White, Calah Gordon and Shonda Wilkins. Great-Grandchildren: Zavaidah White, Khanaan Gordon, Artrese Gordon, Raeghn White, Zen Gordon, and Aubrey Dickerson. Bonus Grandchildren Davon Glasco, Rae'Kwon White, Carter,  Dabney, Annika Gordon, Devin, Kevin and Keith Harmon. Sisters: Willola "Sis" Gordon, Alberta "Bert" Gordon, and Irene "Rene" Gordon. Close Friends: Theresa Johnson, Marcia Dorsey and Sandra Lambert. Godchildren: Lisa Drennan-Cunningham, David Eaddy, Lamont Stewart, and Emma Williams.

Predeceased by her loving husband, Jimmie Gordon; son Jimmie Gordon ll, goddaughter, Bernadette Hinson, and siblings, Ollie Steward, George Spencer, Jr., Gussie Spencer, Thomas Spencer, Frances Spencer, Morris Spencer, Wilbert Spencer, Charles Spencer, Catherine Spencer-Thomas, Mary Spencer-Webb and Leroy Spencer.