Pauline D. Gordy

SNOW HILL- Pauline Dennis Gordy passed away at Harrison Senior Living in Snow Hill on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 89 years of age. She was the daughter of Edna Parker and Robert Anstine (Stiney) Dennis of Powellville. Her family included not only her brothers and sisters, Reese, Robert, Mary, Roscoe, Laura Elizabeth (died in infancy), Mildred and Frank, but also her father’s twin, John Valentine Dennis. She lent her hands to many tasks on the family farm while growing up and graduated from Wicomico Senior High. She married Lawrence Edward Gordy from Snow Hill in the shadow of WWII before Ed shipped overseas. She showed the same resourcefulness during his absence as she had on the farm, moving to Newport News, Virginia to work as a crane operator. When Ed returned, they soon moved to Snow Hill where Ed worked as a carpenter. The next several years were full of raising their five children and being involved in many aspects of community life including Bates United Methodist Church, Boy and Girl Scouts, and the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1969 the Vietnam War began a very difficult chapter in Pauline’s life when her oldest son Michael was killed while serving there. Then, in 1970, her second son, Denny, who had returned from serving his tour of duty in Vietnam after Michael’s death, was killed by a drunk driver in a car accident. In the face of these terrible losses, a deep abiding faith in her Lord Jesus Christ sustained her and made her a powerful witness in the community. Pauline was well-loved not only by her friends and family, but also by her co-workers in various jobs outside the home. She will be remembered for her love of children and her ability to make work fun. After the loss of Ed in 1986 Pauline remained active in her church and the lives of her extended family. For the rest of her life she was a mighty prayer warrior, praying for all she knew. One of her greatest joys was to receive visits from her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Willie Dykes, Belva and O.B. Dennis, and Abby and Russ Mason. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Macon Benson and her husband Steve, Lauren Dykes, Daniel Dykes, and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Bates Memorial United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, where family and friends can call one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Mark Avens will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Bates Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bates United Methodist Church (116 N. Washington St., Snow Hill, MD 21863) or WOLC (P.O. Box 130, Princess Anne, MD 21853). Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Pauline D. Gordy

September 16, 1920 - July 8, 2010