Obituary of Denise L. Gordon

Denise Lynette Gordon was born to the late William and Juanita Groover on December 12, 1958 in Summerville, South Carolina. She was the fourth of eight children birthed into this family. Denise, or "Niecy" as she was affectionately known, grew up in Freeport, NY, where she lived in the "projects," (i.e., Moxey A. Rigby Apartment Development). She attended Freeport Public Schools and graduated from Freeport High School. As a teenager and young adult, Denise worked at Operation Alternative, the youth program of the Freeport Economic Opportunity Council. Her work there involved peer-counseling and mentoring scores of high-risk adolescents. As a result of Denise's life-coaching them and "staying on their cases," many of these teens stayed out of harm's way, went on to lead productive lives with successful careers, and became her life-long friends. After graduating from high school, Denise joined the U.S. Army. While serving in the military, she met and later married army officer Marvin Gordon, who would later predecease her. Denise was blessed to bring into the world two beautiful children, Travis and Taylor. Among the many extraordinary qualities about her children were their fierce devotion and protection of their mother, especially during her lengthy health decline. Denise's career entailed her being employed in the housing management field for many years. She later shifted her professional focus to home health care, where she tirelessly labored until her waning health prevented her from continuing her work. Denise's early religious development occurred at the old Bethel A.M.E. Church on 59 Helen Avenue in Freeport. Later on in her life, she totally gave her life to Christ and renewed her membership at Bethel. Her biggest joy and proudest moment was her being appointed to Stewardess Board #5, the board that her deceased mother served for many years as a charter member. She immensely looked forward to serving while wearing her mother's uniform. Humor and honesty were Denise's two gifts and trademarks. She had fun being funny and she was also so natural with it. At the same time, she had a way of always keeping things real and calling things as they were. Her genuine comicality and sheer truthfulness drew her many friends and admirers. After a long-endured and brave fight against cancer, Denise was called off the battle field on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Upon hearing the Lord telling her "your battle's been fought, your victory's been won," she transitioned from earth into glory. Denise leaves to cherish her legacy her two children; Travis Gordon and Taylor Roberts. She is predeceased by her oldest sibling and only sister Gloria Gail Groover. Her remaining siblings on this side of the Jordan include six brothers; and five sister-in-laws Mark Groover (Sharon) of Baltimore, MD, Steven Groover of Warner Robbins, GA, Jeffrey Groover of Baltimore, MD, Gregory Groover (Barbara) of Boston MA, Michael Groover (Frederica) of Freeport NY, Eric Groover (Tish) of Freeport and Sheila Groover of Garden City, NY. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and other relatives. Spiritual mother; Doris Jones, spiritual sisters; Darlene Jones Hardwick Lori Ann Smith, Antoinette Knowell, Claire Jones and Carla Jones. A loving church family and countless friends.