Etta Selena Morris Gordon, 85, departed this life at her home in Charlottesville, VA on Sunday, October 6, 2024. She was born June 24, 1939 in Esmont, VA, a daughter of the late John Henry and Agnes Chambers Morris.

Etta was baptized early in life at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Esmont, where she served, until moving to Charlottesville. She joined fellowship with Zion Union Baptist Church, and later became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church serving faithfully for nearly 35 years. Etta served as Chairperson for the Hospitality Committee, sang in the Ebenezer Gospel Choir and The Thomas Bryant Gospel Workshop Choir. Her true melodious “alto” voice could even sing a “tenor” melody if needed.

Etta enjoyed being involved in the community and was an active member of several social clubs, namely the Debonaire Socialites and the Elite Social Club. She loved people and she never met a stranger. Etta was devoted to her family and enjoyed hosting family events like their annual Family Homecoming Celebration.

Etta was a graduate of Jackson P Burley High School. Knowing that she wanted to do more in her life, she enrolled in the LPN program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing. She attended nursing school while working a full-time job and raising two children. Etta worked various jobs, but once she passed her state boards for nursing, she became employed with the University of Virginia where she worked for 41 years until she retired in 2004. Once she retired, she continued working part time as a Nurse at a local Nursing Home for seven years.

God entrusted Etta with many talents…including baking, cooking, gardening and taking care of her family. She was an excellent cook and took “pride” in baking and preparing any and everything in her “kitchen haven”. As a result, the doors to her home were always open to family and friends who when stopping by, she would insist that you eat something before you left. There was always a “good ole piece” of homemade cake found sitting out on her cake pedestal. Etta also prepared many dishes for special programs at church whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If she were here today…she would probably challenge anybody to “out cook” her.

Etta enjoyed her home and loved decorating for the holidays. Her yard was always manicured and dressed in an array of beautiful flowers. Even the parents with children graduating from Barrett Daycare would bring them over to take pictures in their graduation attire in Miss Etta’s Garden. She also had a hand and a “green thumb” that grew vegetables in her garden.

She was the epitome of elegance, wearing timeless and beautiful fashions and always with matching shoes and purses. A beautiful life with love, grace and kindness will be remembered here….

In addition to her parents, Etta was preceded in death by her daughter, Johnetta Gordon; two brothers, John O Morris and Kenneth Simpson Sr.; and two sisters, Wilma Swain and Phyllis Morris.

She leaves a son to cherish her memories, Leon T. Gordon (Holly Lockley); two grandsons, William S. Isabelle and Curtis Vanlandingham; one granddaughter, Jillian Lockley; three great grandchildren, Phoenix, Kru, and O-Shea; three sisters, Yvonne Clarke and Secilia Kelly of Philadelphia, PA, and Cheryl Morris of Charlottesville; two brothers, Norman Morris of Charlottesville and Raymond Morris of Philadelphia; her “bestest” friend and riding partner, Mary Walker of Charlottesville; two devoted friends who “catered” to her every need with love and care, Cecilia Thompson and Robert Henderson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will always miss, but remember Etta Gordon.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Home.