Gene Lester Gordon

Gene Lester Gordon, 97, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home April 3, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on August 29, 1928, in Kinston, NC, Gene was the daughter of the late Faye (Foxman) and David Lester. She spent her early childhood in Wilson, NC, where her family moved when she was young. After graduating Coon High School, she attended Salem College and later the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her life would be forever changed.

She met her beloved Saul at a UNC party. They were married on August 2, 1950, following their senior year. Together, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and devotion.

Gene loved life deeply. Her greatest joys were found in life’s simple, meaningful moments—dancing with Saul, spending time at the beach with her family, playing bridge, cheering on the Tar Heels, sharing time with friends, traveling, and enjoying a good book with a Diet Coke by her side.

She was a woman of quiet strength and conviction. She believed in discipline, responsibility, and doing things the right way—but more than anything, she believed in people. She was loyal, deeply present, and unwaveringly connected to those she loved.

Her family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers who treated her with kindness, dignity, and grace.

Gene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Saul Martin Gordon.

She is survived by her children: Charlotte Gordon Margolis of Charlotte, NC; Craig Gordon of Cornelius, NC; and Susan Gordon Sandler (Bernie) of Cornelius, NC. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: David Margolis (Monica Jamison) of Statesville, NC; Amy Margolis Korta (Luke) of Charlotte, NC; Mollie Sandler of Charlotte, NC; and Ellis Sandler of Charlotte, NC; along with her great-grandchildren: Gordon, Austin, and Madeleine Margolis of Statesville, NC, and Charles Korta of Charlotte, NC.

A private graveside service was held on April 5, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, NC.

She will leave a void that can never be filled—but her love, her strength, and her example will remain with us always.

Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or, in keeping with Gene’s quiet generosity, to someone in need or a cause close to your heart, anonymously.

To quote Gene, “this is no longer about me.”

Arrangements for Mrs. Gordon are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.