Reitha Ethel Gordon, the daughter of the late Archie Dilbert and Ordie Eden was born in Roatán, Honduras on December 30, 1939. God called her home on October 11, 2014.
One of her fondest memories was when her mother would host prayer meetings in her home. One prayer meeting in December 1972 right before her 33rd birthday, this well dressed businessman walked up to her and said, "I noticed your beauty, I am interested in getting to know you and I will call you soon." She said, "I didn't even notice this guy at all ... but I was anticipating a call." Three days later he called her and said, "I want to marry you." On February 1, 1973 she married the late Orlando Alphonso Gordon in Brooklyn, New York. To this union one son was born, Orlando Gordon, Jr.
While living in New York she was employed with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a Research Lab Technician. Shortly after her 30 year tenure the couple moved to Sandy Springs, GA to retire. Reitha has always been a faithful servant in church and immediately joined Sharon United Methodist Church in Sandy Springs, GA. It was at this community church where the couple adopted their Son in Christ, Shannon Anderson. In her latter years, the couple moved to Canton, GA where she served under the leadership of Pastor Gregory Hughes at True Life Ministries, Inc. Both churches were often blessed with her angelic voice during solos and songs of praise.
Reitha Gordon will be remembered for her love of Jesus Christ and people, her singing, her contagious smile, her witty sense of humor and the way she lit up a room upon entering. She instantly made new friends in her community and is often regarded as "everyone's mother". She is affectionately known as Tia, Mamma Gordon, Mrs. Rita and Mamma Rita by her family and friends.
Reitha Gordon is survived by her sons, Elnard McField, Orlando Gordon, Jr., her daughter Ordie McField, her spiritual son, Shannon Anderson, one aunt, two brothers, nine nieces, three nephews, four sisters, six cousins twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.