[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ETHEL B. TOY GORDON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 3, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of a remarkable individual, Ethel B. Toy Gordon.
  Ethel was born February 11, 1925, in Holmes County to Daniel and 
Leola Brown Toy. Ethel, at the age of 96, was called to her heavenly 
resting place on Wednesday, January 28, 2022, in her home of Greenwood, 
MS. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ. Ethel 
joined Meeks AME Church in Cruger, MS.
  Ethel was influenced by her family to be a loving and caring woman. 
She always gave her time to others. Ethel married James Gordon in 1944, 
to that union 13 children were born. She later joined Gordon Chapel MB 
Church until moving to Greenwood, MS.
  In 2018, Ethel joined Providence MB Church until she passed away. She 
believed in family, and she always shared her childhood stories. It was 
never a dull moment and always great laughs and good meals. Ethel 
wanted everyone to love each other because love was one of the many 
morals that were instilled in her.
  Ethel was a God-fearing woman. One of her favorite sayings was ``If 
it had not been for the Lord on my side, I wouldn't be nothing nor 
would I have nothing.'' She was a blessed woman of God, who was full of 
life and joy. After the sudden passing of her husband, she was left 
with ten children to raise. By the Grace of God, they never needed nor 
wanted for anything. She was a woman to be admired and praised. Ethel 
B. received everything she deserved until her departure.
  Ethel B. Toy Gordon was proceeded in death by her loving parents: 
Daniel and Leola Toy, her husband James Gordon, brothers Louis Toy, 
Jonas Toy, three sisters Dorothy Toy, Mattie Toy Martin, Viola Toy 
Montgomery, two sons Arthur Gordon and Eddie Gordon, two daughters 
Charlene Cooper and Trufilia Hayes, one grandson Billy Gordon. Her 
beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family and 
friends. On today she leaves loving memories to the 13 children, 8 
daughters, 5 sons, 1 God son, 32 grandchildren, 50 great grand-
children, 8 great great grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, 
legacy, and service of Mrs. Ethel B. Toy Gordon.

                          ____________________