Janet Gordon Obituary in Greensboro at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home

Obituary For Janet Gordon

A pillar of the community, Janet Harper Gordon, 79, passed away in her home on February 11, 2022, lovingly surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Janet "Jan" Harper Gordon was born on November 17, 1942, in Lenoir, North Carolina. She was the oldest child born to the late Edward and Eunice Harper.

Janet attended and graduated from Freedman High School, Lenoir, NC, in 1960. Upon graduation, she furthered her education at Woman's College (University of North Carolina-Greensboro). After graduating from Women's College in 1964 with a history degree, Janet began her teaching career at West Charlotte High School, Charlotte, NC.

While attending Woman's College, Janet met the love of her life, Captain John Fairley Gordon, attending North Carolina A&T State University. John and Janet were married on December 27, 1964. To this union were born two daughters, Sharon Denise, and Joan Marie. Following the death of her husband in 1968, Janet embraced the challenges of raising two children by herself. She unconditionally, unselfishly loved her daughters and supported them all her life through the many highs and difficulties of their lives.

Janet returned to the University of North Carolina-Greensboro to obtain her Master of Education degree. After graduating in 1973, she resumed her teaching career in Greensboro, NC. She taught social studies at Lincoln Junior High School, followed by Jackson Middle School until her retirement.

Janet was active in the community. After her youngest daughter developed diabetes at the age of six, she made it her lifelong mission to help fund research to cure juvenile diabetes. She served on the Board of Directors for the Piedmont Triad Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. She was a previous member of "The Drifters Inc," a group of dynamic women with charitable, civic, educational, and social interests. Janet was on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Library at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Janet was a long-time member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church. Over the years, she taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, Ever Young Group and served as a chairperson for the youth group. Janet's love for her grandchildren was her most profound passion. She made sure that they had the best of everything. She was actively involved in their education and proud of their many accomplishments.

Janet is preceded in death by her husband, Captain John Fairley Gordon; her parents, Edward and Eunice Harper; brother, Edward Delane Harper, Jr.; sister, Victoria Dixon; nieces; Eleanor Harper, Detreona and Delicia Dixon; nephew; David Hendrix; great-nieces; Morgan, Noelle and Sydney Dixon.

Janet is survived by daughters, Sharon Bigelow and Joan Gordon; grandchildren, Caroline and John Bigelow; sisters; Linda Harper, Eunice "Tancy" Day, Brenda "Susie" English, Alesa "Gail" Larson (Chico), and Pamela Hendrix (Greg); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service honoring her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 18, 2022 St. Matthews United Methodist Church 600 East Florida St., Greensboro, NC 27406.

Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.

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Sharon,Joanie and Eunice, I am sorry to learn of Jan's passing. With sincerest sympathy may GOD BLESS YOU as you cherish memories of Jan Dr. Jean Perkins Blackley Spartanburg, SC

I am sorry to learn of Jan's passing. With deepest sympathy to Sharon,Joanie,Eunice and the Harpwr family. God Bless you as you cherish the memories of Jan. Dr. Jean Perkins Blackley Spartanburg, SC

I'm sorry to hear of Mrs. Gordon's passing. Mrs. Gordon was my Social Studies teacher at Lincoln Middle School in 1986. May she rest in peace.

Sharon and Joanie , Cody and I send our condolences and prayers to the both of you. I will forever be grateful to your Mom for giving me my baby shower. She was a delightful person and I am glad I was able to have known her. We are sending prayers daily. Renee and Cody Byrd

Caroline and dearest family, sending you my love and condolences during this time. Keeping you all in my prayers. Kenesha Bigelow

To the Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jan a number of years ago, in fact the entire family. May God bless you and give you strength with his love, comfort and peace. A remarkable woman with a beautiful smile.
Jacqueline C. McMillan, Christopher McMillan and Michael McMillan

My dearest cousins Sharon and Joanie, as well as family. My sincere condolences go out for the loss of Aunt Janet Gordon. She was a beautiful spirit and will be missed. I will treasure the memories that span to our early childhood. Be encouraged

Sharon, Joanie, Caroline and John Curtis, I am so deeply sad by the loss of my dear friend and Group3 member of The United Methodist Women for the many long shared years of memories. You will be forever in my Prayers. Betsy Brown

Sharon, Joanie, and family, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Although Sharon and I were classmates, I met Ms. Gordon at Lincoln Jr High School. She was my Social Studies teacher and you all became family friends. May God's grace bring you comfort and your memories of Ms. Gordon sustain you until you meet again. Love you all. Janice Harris Clark

Sharon, Joanie, and family, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Although Sharon and I were classmates, I met Ms. Gordon at Lincoln Jr High School. She was my Social Studies teacher and you all became family friends. May God's grace bring you comfort and your memories of Ms. Gordon sustain you until you meet again. Love you all.

Eternal peace. . . . .

Janet always had a wonderful smile As my classmate (1960) we were friendly competitors Rest in love my friend

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC