Mary Sue (Hilliard) Gordon

On June 13, 1942, James Fulton and Mary Jones Hilliard welcomed their only child, Mary Sue Gordon. Being an only child made Mary Sue strong and able to defend herself. Her loving upbringing taught her how to use her strength to champion for others.

There was one who was known to stand for Mary Sue and on September 11, 1964, she married him, John Gordon, Jr. John and Mary Sue welcomed the task of rearing seven beautiful children with all the love and fight that they could give.

Mary Sue continued to take the lessons learned from her parents, and with the support of her husband, she advocated for the people of Lafayette and surrounding counties through her work and service at North Mississippi Rural Legal Services for over 40 years. In addition to her service to NMRLS, she was active in the Oxford City School District, the Wayne Johnson Preschool, her church, and in her community. She supported Girl Scouts, Oxford Bands, and any other organization her children joined.

There are stories, too many to tell of folks who were helped by Mary Sue in countless ways. She was not only a mother to her children, but several others to whom she did not give birth.

Mary Sue retired from NMRLS in 2009 to take care of the love of her life, John Gordon, Jr. and started her own business, Mary Gordon Paralegal Services. She became president of the family counsel at the North Mississippi Veterans Home until her husband passed away.

After fighting for countless others, Mary Sue stepped into battle for herself. Seeing that she was tired and that her work was finished, our Lord called her off the battlefield into eternal rest with Him on the morning of January 27, 2026, in her home with family near.

Mary Sue was preceded in death by her husband, John Gordon, Jr.; her parents, Fulton and Mary Hilliard; her son, Kendric Gordon: and her daughter, Ameena Dennis. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Larry D. Hilliard, Sr. (Dianne), Valerie E. Kirkwood (Jerry), Pamela P. Gordon, Tonjia L. Thompson, and Twanna M. Phillips (Gery); 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Gwen (Luster) King, and a host of nieces, nephews, and others who called her “Mama.”

She will be remembered also by a special caregiver, Thelma Lewis.

Please keep the Gordon/Hilliard family lifted in prayer.