Mr. Stanley "Buster" Gordon

The measure of a man is not by his looks or body build, but what he has done for God, and man; his friendship and passion for service. He has achieved success when he has served well, laughed often, loved much, even gained the respect of little children, accomplished his God-given task and who has left the world better than he found it. One who has never shunned the truth of God’s word or failed to express it, has always seen the best in others and given the best that he had. His life is an inspiration to those he touched along the way, and his memory is in itself, a blessed benediction. This is a world of sin, sorrow and death. No condition in life is proof against the immutable decree of God “Unto dust thou shalt return.” Again, the death angel has visited our family, casting a shadow so deep that only Jesus, the Light of the World, can remove it. In the quietness of the early morning, on Sunday, December 18, 2016, Stanley Gordon, Sr. while holding his wife’s hand, was touched by the hands of Our Heavenly Father and entered the silent halls of death. He was born February 26, 1947 in New Orleans, LA to the late Geraldine Matthews Montgomery and Leon Gordon. He was raised in a Christian home by Frank (Ester) Martin and later lived with Papa Willie and Mama Ira Martin until graduation. Stanley accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Lazard Temple Church of God in Christ in Greensburg, LA. As a child and teenager, he worked in the church’s “sweet shop”, helping raise money to buy much needed supplies for the church. After moving to Saginaw and upon completion of membership classes, he became a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1976 and joined Usher Board #1 faithfully serving until his illness. Stanley graduated from St. Helena High School in 1965. After graduation, he moved to New Orleans and began work in the construction trade. He was an avid sports fan and claimed the New Orleans Saints as his own. He was their #1 FAN. He got a kick out of telling NOLA visitors about the “second line.” And boy did he love to rub it in when his Grambling Tigers beat his wife’s Southern Jaguars at the Bayou Classic. Moving to Saginaw in 1975, he worked at A & B (Buster’s) Party Store and McCray’s Market. He retired from Buena Vista School District in 2002 after suffering a stroke. He was also a proud member of the Buena Vista Lions Club for over 25 years. He was united in holy matrimony to Marva LeJuene McCray, whom he cherished and adored, and to this union one son, Eric Stanton was born. Their home was always a place of happy stories and fun family gatherings. He and Marva felt extremely blessed to share those occasions with their extended family - Uncle Glenn, Felton and Minnie Jackson. “Buster” as he was known by family, friends and co-workers, and lovingly called “Paw-Paw” by his grandchildren was a hard worker and a dedicated person, serving his family and community faithfully and consistently throughout his life. Buster was a person who would speak his mind. His word was his bond. Due to his talkative nature, he never met a stranger; and once you met him – you never forgot him. He possessed an unparalleled zest for life, a positive attitude and a strong faith that made him a genuine joy to be around. He was always willing to do whatever he could to help someone, even after his health limited his performance. He was a proud and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, and cousin, who loved his family, church and friends…and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. “Buster” will be remembered for his unique, spirited, funny and caring personality. Those who will be most profoundly deprived of the warmth of his gentle smile and his uncommon humor include: his loving and devoted wife, Marva; his children, Eric Gordon, Sr., Saginaw, MI, Frederick Gordon, Groten, CT., Delveccio (Gregory) Offray and Stanley Gordon, Jr., New Orleans, LA, Shawn (Tanya) Myers, Cordova, TN; grandchildren, Kyla, Eric, Jr., and Erielle Gordon, Chyna Offray, Charnelle, Lexus, Fantazia and Anasia Gordon, and Jeremy, Jarron, Byron, Baili, Taylor, Aston, Italy, Stanley III, Zakiya and Stormi Gordon; brothers, Vernell Williams, New Orleans, LA, Larry (Yvette) Gordon, Baton Rouge, LA, and Edgar (Audrey) Gordon, Greensburg, LA; foster siblings, Michael (Iola) Martin, Regina Martin and Shern Martin, Greensburg, LA; uncles, Wallace (Beatrice) Matthews and Johnny McCray, Jr., Greensburg, LA, and Arthur (Nora) Perkins, Denham Springs, LA; aunts, Helen P. Washington, Inglewood CA, Mary “Sister” McCray, Baton Rouge, LA, Theresa (L.C.) Cole, Jacksonville, FL, Ruby McCray, Saginaw, MI and Gloria McCray, El Sabrante, CA; godchildren, Dalvaccia Green, Saginaw, MI, Rachel Mitchell, Baton Rouge, LA and Teokiwa Martin, Greensburg, LA; sisters-in-law, Meatha Winbush, Saginaw, MI and Marlies Mitchell, Dallas, TX.; brother-in-law Marvin (Bridgette) McCray II, Detroit, MI; all his special cousins from Greensburg, LA, especially Marion “Vena” Matthews, Mary Brown, Cynthia and Cheryl Lee and Ernestine Randolph; best friends, Charles Muse, Denham Springs, LA (who called every day) and Roger Matthews, Greensburg, LA.; special BV friends, Imo Taylor, Ella McCoy, James “boss” Chaney, and Charles Clemons, all of Saginaw, MI; the Blakely family, Jerry and Mark (especially Dorothy Presley and Leon “Money” McGhee), Kermit Diggs and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, John and Ireatha Matthews; foster parents, Frank Martin, Willie and Ira Martin; and in-laws, Marvin and Oena McCray. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 535 Cathay Street. Past P. David Saunders will officiate with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Stanley "Buster" Gordon

February 26, 1947 - December 18, 2016