Ms. Carla Renee Gordon

Carla Renee Gordon was born on November 5,1956, to Lena and Cornell Gordon. From an early age, Carla stood out; beautiful, bold, and brilliant. During her years at Mumford High School, her striking confidence, radiant beauty, great sense of humor, contagious laugh and fearless personality made her unforgettable. Though she was the most petite in stature, she was also the feistiest, always fiercely protective of the ones she loved. Coming from a musically gifted family, Carla’s love for music and writing came naturally. She loved to dance, sing, write, model and simply enjoy life. After high school, Carla briefly attended Meharry Medical College before earning her B.A. in Liberal Arts/Psychology from the University of Michigan. Her educational journey affirmed her love of learning, a passion inspired by her grandmother Emma, a teacher who introduced Carla to the joy of education at a young age. She delighted in understanding the mind, body, and science that shape them. She later received an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University, completing her internship at Harper Grace Hospital while pregnant. This demonstrates her resilience, work ethic, and unwavering dedication. Truly remarkable. Carla found Christ and devoted herself to studying his word as a young adult. In 1994, Carla became a member of Intercessions Word Ministry, where her dear friend from college, Joseph R. Hewitt, had recently begun to pastor. She had been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord immediately began to use her as both an intercessor and a divine connection through whom many of her family members were drawn to Christ and saved! Carla used her God-given gifts to explore a variety of vocations. Her career path included roles in ophthalmology, dentistry, retail, and social work. In each of these fields, she brought warmth, compassion, and deeply personalized care to everyone who crossed her path. Her personality was unforgettable. Carla was incredibly stylish and loved expressing herself through fashion. A lifelong learner, she devoured books and eagerly enrolled in classes that sparked her curiosity. As a spirited activist, she stood firmly for her beliefs, unapologetically using her voice, and through her singing and writing, her full creative power to inspire those around her. After facing struggles with alcoholism, she made the courageous decision to become sober, knowing that change was necessary. From that point on, she not only maintained her own sobriety but also guided and supported others on their recovery journeys, offering empathy, strength, and her own lived experience. Her resilience, compassion, and service left an immeasurable impact on the lives of many. In 1987, Carla became a mother, a role she embraced, honored and cherished wholeheartedly. She poured every ounce of her love into her daughter, raising her with the love of Christ and a deep faith. She lived as an example of grace, strength, and unwavering belief, even through the storms of life. Carla’s journey took a dramatic turn in 1994 when she became a paraplegic following a tragic accident. Yet, she refused to let that moment define her life. She embraced her “new normal” and joined the Center for Independent Living, where she found strength and purpose in a supportive community of peers. Always helping and encouraging others, Carla shone even in adversity. Carla trusted and believed in God until her final hour. She is survived by the light of her life, her daughter Elizabeth St. Clair, and her beloved grandchildren Jordan St.Clair, India Worthy, and Hunter Thomas. She also leaves behind her siblings Daryl Gordon (Angela Gordon), ReJean Miles and Denise Kidd nieces; Yvette Johnson, Tiffany Davis, and Eboni Davis; nephews Curtis Gordon, Samuel Davis II, and Matthew Gordon; Friend, James St.Clair, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, cherished friends, and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Lena and Cornell Gordon.

Ms. Carla Renee Gordon

November 5, 1956 - July 23, 2025