Barbara Ann Gordon

A radiant light was dimmed February 1, 2026.  Barbara Ann Gordon passed away peacefully after a sudden illness.  Barbara was a force of nature; a happy non-conformist, irreverent yet classy and always eager to spread laughter.

Her sunny outlook and capacity to spread love was grounded in her deep Christian faith.  One of our last conversations revolved around her desire to explore new ways to make a difference in her beloved community.

If there was a cause, Barbara would embrace it and bring unquenchable passion to the mission.

For nearly 70 years she volunteered at Spectrum’s Junior Golden Rule Guild.  She was devoted to Mayflower Congregational Church as a member of 62 years.  Barbara relished her relationship with Babies Welfare Guild, introducing underprivileged children to the joys of camping.  She loved her Doll Club and Easter People Bible Study. The Helen Devos Children’s Hospital Chapel, G.R. Rapids Symphony and SW Storybook Program are all living legacies of Barbara’s love.

Her friend group spanned multiple generations in Grand Rapids, Naples and at her cottage in Canadian Lakes.   Some of the sweet words they’ve shared with us . . . “my second Mom, my mentor, a dynamo, amazing, irrepressible, dear friend, and so damn much fun.”

But of course, her greatest legacy was her marriage of 64 years to her beloved late husband, George and her family. Son Guy and daughter-in-law Gale were visiting when she was stricken and were able to be with her until she passed.

She is adored and survived by grandchildren Whitson (Kathleen), Greer (Christopher), and Graham (Kayla).   She happily spent this summer and the holidays with her littlest legacies… her 7 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was born on August 15, 1934 in Mattoon, Illinois.  She came to Grand Rapids in 1957. She is preceded in death by her husband George, mother Dorothy, father Hubert and her brother William.  Guy recalls that whenever his Mom adopted a new antique doll, she would lovingly display it and say, “Isn’t she precious?”   As she joins her heavenly family and presents herself to God, we imagine the almighty saying the same thing about her. 

Barbara Gordon will be remembered in a Celebration of Life at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2pm.  Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 2-5pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  In lieu of flowers her family requests donations to Mayflower Congregational Church, Camp Blodgett or Junior Golden Rule Guild - Corewell Health.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at the link below:

https://mayflowerchurch.org/barbara-gordon-memorial/

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