Suzanne Sondra-Dollis (Patterson) Gordon

Suzanne Sondra-Dollis Patterson Gordon, a daughter of Henry Forrest Patterson and Susan Whitmore Patterson, was born September 30, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA.  Suzanne and her siblings, sisters Claudell and Dollis, and Forrest, whom she lovingly called “Brother” were nurtured with love by their parents.  As the youngest in the family, Suzanne was encouraged to be confident and outgoing.  As a young woman, she committed to a life dedicated to improving the lives of others.  To that end, Suzanne attended and graduated from Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA where she majored in Sociology and minored in English.  After graduating, Suzanne returned to Pittsburgh where she realized her dream to help others by becoming a Social Worker.

In 1955, Suzanne met and married the love of her life, Dr. W. Carl Gordon, Jr.  Their love story began in the Registrar’s/Admissions Office at Meharry Medical School in Nashville, TN where he was enrolled, and where Suzanne was working.  Carl came to retrieve his final grades and noticed that Suzanne was new in the office.

He introduced himself, told her that she had beautiful eyes and asked for her phone number.  Being coy, Suzanne did not give him her number, but she agreed to take his.  As a test of his intentions, Suzanne suggested that their first date include a church service – when he agreed, she was smitten.  Six months later, after winning her father’s approval, Suzanne and Carl were married on Christmas Day in San Francisco, CA, where he was completing a medical internship at the Letterman Army Hospital.  Suzanne and Carl went on to live in Washington DC, Texas, New Jersey, Kansas and Colorado, as Carl completed his residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital and continued serving as a surgeon in Army hospitals all around the country.   In 1968, they settled in his hometown, Albany, GA, where he established a private practice.  By this time, their union had been blessed with two children, Walter Carl Gordon III and Tia Kimberly Gordon.

Suzanne was a devoted wife and loving mother.  And although, Carl wanted Suzanne’s only job to be taking care of him and the children, she was very much a partner to him in their business and philanthropy.  She held the position of Vice President at his medical practice, at Gordon Communications (a company, which at its height held controlling interest in a local television station) and Ticarla Sue Farms (a company devoted to cultivating the land upon which they built their forever home).  She also supported Carl’s work at their Friends Aiding in Their Health (FAITH) Fund Foundation, which assisted the families of infants and children in need of liver transplants.  Suzanne was very proud to be appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris (GA) to be a member of the Health Policy Council (1987) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission (1989).  

Suzanne was also a founding and platinum member of the Albany, GA Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, continuing her commitment to community service.

As a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years, Suzanne was a very active member and in support of her children, she served as a sponsor for the Young People's Division (YPD).

In addition to their commitment to helping others and improving the community, Carl and Suzanne loved to entertain.  Suzanne was the consummate hostess, known for her style, sophistication and good taste.  If you were lucky enough to be on the guest list, you might have fond memories of a poolside summer luau, a family Thanksgiving feast or ringing in the new year in grand style – her eye for fashion is the stuff that legends are made of.  Suzanne and Carl were active members of social clubs like the Lively Set and the Rod & Gun Club.

As a mother, Suzanne was always the biggest cheerleader for Walter Carl and Tia.  She was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and served in a number of leadership roles.  Suzanne enjoyed working with other mothers to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for their children.  She coordinated and introduced the organization’s annual Beautillion, a signature fundraising event benefiting the Albany community.  She was an avid sports fan and loved to watch tennis and basketball. Her favorite basketball players were her grandson, Javian Tyrese, and Walter Carl.  In support of Tia’s spirit of creativity, Suzanne encouraged her love of writing poetry.  “Grandma,” also lovingly supported her granddaughter, Dorian Carlysia, by reading with her, encouraging excellence and attending Dorian’s honors ceremonies whenever she could. 

“Boss Lady,” as she was affectionately called, always had a definite opinion.  And while many assumed that Carl gave her the nickname, it was actually family friend, Chief Washington Long, Jr., who upon hearing an exchange between the two of them smartly agreed with Suzanne by saying, “That’s right, Boss Lady!”

Suzanne P. Gordon had an indomitable spirit.  As she was weakened, she maintained her beauty routines as she was cared for by her devoted children, dear friend Ms. Ola Smith, and hospice staff.  Caregiver and friend, Mary Williams called her “Sunshine” because she found her to be a ray of sunlight and often would sing with Suzanne to “Bad Mamma Jamma.”  Though her body departed this earth on July 7, 2020, we find comfort in the knowledge that Suzanne is with our Heavenly Father, her loving husband Carl, parents, siblings and those loved ones who preceded her in death.

Suzanne leaves behind to cherish precious memories of her love and strength, children: Walter Carl Gordon III (Salem, OR) and Tia Kimberly Gordon (Albany, GA).  Her grandchildren: Javian Tyrese Johnson (East Georgia State College) and Dorian Carlysia Gordon (Albany, GA). Sisters-in-Law: E. Mildred Glover (Robert) and Dorothy Jane Carver (Wilbur) of Albany, GA. Nieces and nephews: Patricia “Patty” Smith Locke (Thomas) of Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Robert Vernon Glover (Beverlyn) of Albany, GA, Suzanne Glover-Schley (Robert) of Albany, GA, Wilbur “Bobby” Carver III (Kimberly) of Atlanta, GA, Erika Carver of Brunswick, GA. Goddaughters: Dr. Lisa Long (New York, NY) and Debra Perry (Atlanta, GA). Dear friends: Dr. and Mrs. Guy Craft (Albany, GA), Mr. And Mrs. William “Billy” Carroll (Camilla, GA), Ms. Ola Smith (Albany, GA), Dr. Joanne Taylor (Albany, GA), Mrs. Sandra Parker (Albany, GA) and Mrs. Kathy Barnes (Albany, GA) and a host of great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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