Luvenia Carolyn (Harris) Gordon

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."                  

                                                                                                                      -John 11:25-26

Ms. Luvenia Williams Gordon, the daughter of the late Johnnie Harris and Mozetta Harris Blige, was born in Richmond Hill, Georgia on February 6, 1939. She was raised within a loving family with her six sisters and two brothers in the Richmond Hill community. Luvenia was an active member of Bryan Neck Missionary Baptist Church through her childhood and adolescent years. In later years, she became a member of Palen United Methodist where she worked with the finance ministry. She joined the First Tabernacle Baptist Church family in 2011.

Luvenia attended George Washington Carver for primary and secondary education, graduating in 1956. She went on to attend Savannah State University where she played on the women's basketball team, desiring to become an educator. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1961. During the 1970s, Luvenia was a devoted member of the social club and The Sassy Set.

She began her professional teaching career in the Bryan County Public School District in 1961. She transitioned to Chatham County School District in August of 1967 and taught at Gadsden Elementary School. In 1996 she retired from Gadsden Elementary School after thirty-five  years of dedicated service. She continued with her passion for teaching as a substitute teacher for over twenty years. She was also employed with the City of Savannah with the summer lunch program for many years reaching retirement once again.

In 1963, she became the mother of a daughter, Tonya Lynette Chester; followed by another daughter, LaShawn Williams Terry in 1967. In 1976, Luvenia gave birth to a son, Keith David Gordon. After her retirement as an educator and servant of the community, she moved back to Richmond Hill, GA where she enjoyed her hobbies such as growing plants, completing word searches, watching Hallmark movies, and being an avid QVC and fashion magazine shopper. She also enjoyed listening to Gospel music, making charitable donations to the National Kidney Foundation , and keeping her home meticulously clean and beautifully decorated. Luvenia was a daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, godmother, cousin, friend, and matriarch of the Harris family.

Luvenia transitioned into the loving arms of God on October 27th, 2023, at home peacefully in her sleep. Luvenia is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Mozetta Harris Blige; sisters: Doretha Campbell, Johnnie Mae Dobson, Louise Cuthbert, and Hazel Lester; brother: Rudolph Harris and Herbert O'Neal; daughter: Tonya Lynette Chester, son: Keith David Gordon, nephews: Alphonso Cuthbert and Kendall McLean; niece: Tiawanna Harris.

She leaves to celebrate her life, daughter: LaShawn (Ryan) W. Terry of Lithonia, GA, granddaughters: Ashlee Rhodes of Birmingham, AL, Taylor Terry of Decatur, GA, and Alanna Terry of Duluth, GA. Step granddaughter: Tierica (Travaris) Vaughn of Rex, GA, and step grandson: Fiorello (Sharonda) Terry II. Step great-grandchildren, Tyler Vaughn, Taliah Vaughn, and Fiorello Terry III. Sister: Edith (John) Merritt of Savannah, GA, beloved grand dogs: Chloe Belle and Rudy Lee Rhodes, a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives that shared her love. Luvenia had one goddaughter: Araiya Walls. She also had a special best friend, Wanda (Charlie) Evans of Rincon, GA.

The spiritual meaning of the name Luvenia has a beautiful meaning: "beloved". It is also connected to women of noble character; embodied by selflessness, compassion, and kindness which are all characteristics of which she embodied. Luvenia was a faithful servant of the Lord and loved by her family and friends. Her feisty, yet giving and loving spirit was truly cherished, and her presence will be awfully missed.

Celebration of Life services will be held 11:00am Friday November 3rd, 2023, at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 310 Alice Street, Savannah, Georgia. Interment Bryan Neck Baptist Church Cemetery, 16525 GA-144, Richmond Hill, Georgia, 31324.

Public viewing 3-6:00pm at the Chapel of Bynes-Royall.

Live Streaming on our Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, Inc. Facebook Page.

Professional services entrusted to Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, 204 West Hall St. Savannah, Georgia 31401

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