In Loving Memory of Mrs. Francena Bridges Gordon 1922-2001 God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, He gently closed Francena's loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine." Francena Louise Bridges Gordon departed this earthly life on Wednesday, December 12, 2001, in the comfort of her home and family, as she requested. She was the first of four children born to the late Jake and LeAnna Bridges on October 28, 1922 in Cheraw, South Carolina. Francena accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, while attending John Wesley United Methodist Church in Cheraw, South Carolina. She was educated in the Public Schools of Cheraw and a graduate of Robert Smalls High School. After graduation she moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1942. There, she met Kenneth Gordon, and they were united in Holy Matrimony on August 28, 1944. Francena joined the Bridge Street A.M.E. Church family in 1944, under the pastorship of the late Reverend Rosco C. Henderson. She was a faithful and devoted church member of Class #42 and contributed her culinary talents to the Women's Day Committee. She shared her special gifts and talents as a lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women, Flatbush Chapter. Francena was a great advocate for children and took great pride in her work with children enrolled in New York City Public School System until retirement. She gave back unselfishly to the community and worked with the Ebbetts Field Senior Citizen Programs. Francena's giving and caring spirit made a difference in the lives of people who were fortunate enough to know her. Throughout her life, Francena always had an open door, room at her table, and a steady, helping hand for her family and the many friends who became family. We have all been inspired by her spirit of life, culinary talents and gift of giving. Her brother, the late Legrand Bridges, preceded her in death on June 28, 1995. Left to cherish her memories are her devoted husband, Kenneth Gordon; two attentive sisters, Dorothy Simmons and Miriam Ford, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters-in-law, Wilma Robinson of Queens, N.Y., Osteen Gamble of Florence, S.C., and Lorraine Bridges of Cheraw, S.C.; two brothers-in-law, Charlie Ford of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Wesley Gamble of Florence, S.C.; three goddaughters, Geraldine Young of Cheraw, S.C., Beverly Gamble and Stephanie Cooper, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Internment was in the Pinelawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Pinelawn, Long Island, New York. A Tribute and dedication by Gillian and Gerrie Young.