Debra Rita Gosphery Gordon

November 30, 2018

Debra Rita Gosphery Gordon, 66, of Toledo passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018, at University of Toledo Medical Center at 2:15 a.m. She was born on May 27, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio. Debra was blessed to have four parents: Walter and Corrine Gosphery, who adopted her at birth and raised her to adulthood, her biological parents, Queen Esther Maddox and Edward Pollard whom she found in 1985 and 1987 respectively. Debra was a 1970 graduate of Washington High School and a 1977 graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She retired from the Massillon City School system as an elementary teacher. At the time of her retirement, she was a Kindergarten teacher. She was a member of Warren A.M.E. Church where she was affectionately known as “Lady G.” Debra is remembered for her “prayer ministry” in which she comforted others with words encouragement and prayers. She enjoyed Christian music, being with people, and shopping. Debra is survived by her husband, Rev. Dr. Otis J. Gordon, Jr., pastor of Warren A.M.E. Church; two sons, James Terrell Gordon, Christopher Otis Gordon; two stepchildren, Otis J. Gordon, III (Debra), and Timothy John Gordon (Allison); grandchildren, Alexandria Monet Gordon, Mikale Devon Gordon, Trevonne Solomon, Sequoia James Gordon, Jaylen Christopher Gordon, Timothy John Gordon, Jr., Josiah James Gordon, Naomi Rose Gordon, and Rayla Marie Gordon; siblings, Dr. Anthony Maddox (Renee), Barbara Levert (Richard), Gregory Pollard (Darlene), Arline Pollard-Naboulsi, Kevin Pollard (Sandra), Lawrence Pollard (Trena), Eric Pollard, (deceased), Edward Pollard II (Angela), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 12:00 noon on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Warren A.M.E. Church, 915 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, Ohio with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 noon, the Rev. Dr. Jermaine Covington, pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church, Worthington, officiating and the Rev. Dr. Earl G. Harris, Presiding Elder of the Cleveland District of the Third Episcopal District serving as eulogist. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dale Riggs Funeral Home.