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On December 19, 1934, Helen Galbreath Gordon was born to Edward and Rosa Lee Galbreath in Camden, Arkansas. Helen attended public school in Ouachita County and graduated from Union Grove High School as salutatorian of her class. Helen was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and served as their first pianist. After graduating high school, Helen attended Hollywood Beauty School in Hot Springs, Arkansas receiving her license as a professional hairdresser. She married Joseph Myers Gordon, Sr., and after having her first child Anita, they soon moved the family to Galveston, Texas May of 1955. Once the family relocated to Galveston, Texas, they united with Reedy Chapel A.M.E. Church Helen quickly joined the choir and later became the gospel choir pianist. Helen also was a pianist for Carter Temple C.M.E. Church in Galveston. Settling and buying a home on the East End, Helen opened and operated Helen's Beauty Shop for 23 years. In 1978, Helen began working for Galveston Independent School District as a paraprofessional and worked as a social worker agent, librarian clerk, and health assistant. She made many lifelong friends with the school district and retired after 20 years. After retirement, "Helen G.," as she was affectionately called, continued to help her friends, neighbors, and church in many ways by providing rides, preparing dinners, helped decorate weddings, showers, and anniversaries. Helen supported Reedy Chapel in numerous ways by cooking, baking, serving, and decorating the church annex. In addition, Helen was well known for her passion for arts and crafts. She spent many hours making beautiful t-shirts and sweatshirts all by hand. Helen and Joseph Gordon Sr. were married for 68 years, and their union was blessed with Anita Jo Gordon Porter, Joseph Gordon, Jr., and Angelina Gordon. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Galbreath and Rosa Lee Horton Galbreath; beloved husband, Joseph M. Gordon Sr.; daughter, Anita J. Porter, and son-in-law, Nelson D. Porter, Sr.; sisters, Lodie Mae Graham and Virgie Lee Kelley; brothers, Earl Galbreath and Woodrow Galbreath. Helen's memory and legacy will always remain in the hearts of her children, Joseph Gordon, Jr. (Sylvia) and Angelina Gordon; grandchildren, Nelson D. Porter Jr. (Necole), Adrian J. Porter, Sr. (Keisha), Dominique N. Jordan and Joseph M. Gordon, III; great-grandchildren, Maurice, Imani, Adrian Jr. and Aubrie; nephews, Ron Kelley, Claude Graham and Ponie Sistrunk, Jr; nieces, Marilyn Godbolt, Vivian Graham, Celestine Walker, Jackie Kelley, and Juanita Gibson; a host of great-nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends.

Tributes

Helen Galbreath Gordon

December 19, 1934 - June 7, 2023