Marilyn Denise Andrews Gordon

Marilyn Denise Andrews Gordon, 77, of Garner, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of her family. Marilyn was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, auntie, godmother, and friend to many. Her life was marked by faith, strength, determination, service, and an unwavering love for her family.

Marilyn was born on July 15, 1949, in Duff Creek, North Carolina. Growing up, years of working in the blueberry fields helped forge within her a strong and determined spirit. Marilyn understood early in life that education could open the door to greater opportunities, and she pursued her studies with excellence and determination. In 1967, she graduated as Valedictorian of Charity High School in Rose Hill, North Carolina.

Her pursuit of education continued at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, where she graduated with honors in 1971, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Her academic accomplishments reflected the intelligence, discipline, and perseverance that would characterize her throughout her life.

It was during this chapter of her life that Marilyn met the love of her life, Michael Gordon. The two were married in 1973 and began building a life together rooted in love, commitment, and a shared determination to create a better future. Together, they joined the United States Navy and proudly served their country.

Following the completion of her military tour of duty, Marilyn began a long and distinguished career with the Department of Defense. Her career became another reflection of her commitment to service and her strong work ethic. After many years of dedicated service, Marilyn retired in 2009.

At the center of Marilyn’s life was her faith in God. She was a deeply devoted woman of faith whose love for Jesus Christ was evident in the way she lived, served, loved, and cared for others. Her relationship with the Lord was not simply something she professed—it was something she carried with her each day.

For many years, Marilyn was a faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bremerton, Washington, where she served on the Christian Education Board and faithfully served as a Deaconess and Church Mother. When she returned home to North Carolina, she quickly connected and joined the ministry of New Generation Christian Church in Wilson Mills, North Carolina, where she continued her journey of faith and fellowship.

Throughout her life, Marilyn’s faith was tested by illness and health challenges, yet those challenges only strengthened the testimony she carried. She found hope and reassurance in her favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, trusting that God had plans for her life—plans filled with hope and a future. No matter the battle she faced, Marilyn’s soul remained anchored in the Lord.

Marilyn was a devoted and loving mother to her only child, Mashavu Gordon-Monds and her husband, Brian. The love she had for her family was immeasurable, and one of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her three grandchildren, Ruby, Aidan, and Lily Gordon-Monds. She was incredibly proud of them, and they held a very special place in her heart.

Marilyn also shared a lifetime of treasured memories with her siblings: the late James Andrews and his wife, Mamie-Ruth; the late Henry Lee Andrews; Rozalind Newkirk and her husband, Aaron; William Lawrence Andrews; and Darryl Andrews. Their bond extended far beyond simply being siblings. It was a bond shaped by family, shared experiences, love, and memories that will continue to live on.

And, of course, Marilyn will be deeply missed by her faithful and loving husband, Michael Gordon, who spent more than five decades by her side. Through every season of life—the joys, accomplishments, challenges, and difficult days—Michael remained devoted to Marilyn, caring for her and loving her with all his heart.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11