of Vilonia, AR
August 28, 1938 - October 14, 2025
Sammye Lea Autrey Gordon passed away at her home in Vilonia, Arkansas, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a brief illness in which her children, grandchildren, and friends devoted all she needed through their care, love, and attention. Although we do not yet know the official cause of her death, she experienced rapid onset dementia over the last four months.
She was born August 28, 1938, in Conway, Arkansas, to the late James Clifton and Leah French Autrey, and was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Stanley Gordon, daughter-in-law, Melanie Gordon, and siblings: Jim Autrey, Pat Gordon, Eugene Autrey, Billy Autrey, Alice Williams, and Lloyd Autrey.
Her legacy continues through her son, Stanley Gordon Jr. and three daughters, Sandra Hedrick and husband Tom, Sue Shock and husband Steve, and Sharon Myers and husband Allan, all of Vilonia. She was a proud ''Granny'' to Caleb Shock and Danielle, Brandy Holland and Lonnie, Sara Beth Blair and Dan, Brett Hedrick, Seth Gordon and Abbie, Lydia Wallesch and Luke, Noah Myers and Suzie, Jedidiah Myers, Luke Gordon and Kelsey, and Hannah Valdez and Jacob. Additionally, she was blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren: Deacon Blair, Katherine Shock, Brier Holland, Leah Kate Blair, Dahlia Holland, Ellis Shock, Anna Beth Blair, Ava Lynn Blair, Weston Shock, Dace Gordon, Hattie Myers, Lainie Gordon, Eleanor Valdez and Mary Grace Myers. She is also survived by her siblings, Phil Autrey and Nancy Logan of Cabot, Janis Thompson of Bentonville, Tommy Autrey of Scott, and a dear cousin, Lora Lee Shewmake of Jacksonville.
Sammye was a Christian and attended Mars Hill church of Christ in Vilonia. She was generous with her support of various Christian ministries and charities, always ready to help where help was needed.
She grew up in the cotton fields of east Arkansas, was a high school basketball standout who went on to play for the All-American Red Heads, based in Caraway, Arkansas. This was a professional women's basketball team who played men's basketball teams with men's rules and won 70[%] of their games. Governor Orval Faubus once presented the team with a plaque denoting their status as ''Ambassadors of Goodwill for Arkansas'' and the players were eventually inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame and the Women's Sports Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mom taught us to be good stewards. She taught us to be responsible and to work hard. She was the best nurse when we were sick and loved to play board games with her children and then later with her grandchildren.
She supported Daddy in all his endeavors. Just to name a few, she ran his insurance office with abandon, never rode a horse but organized every road trip to all the horse shows they went to, canned vegetables galore from their garden, and tended sick animals on the farm - many in the middle of the den floor. She and Stanley also founded the Central States Peruvian Paso Horse Club because of their love of the breed.
Sammye was instrumental in the starting of the Vilonia Schools Band in the mid 70's, the Vilonia Booster Club, and was active with the PTO during her children's schooling. In 2023, Stanley and Sammye were honored by the City of Vilonia's Chamber of Commerce as the Outstanding Family of the Year.
The family would like to thank Trudy Collison again for stepping right back up to care for mom so soon after Daddy's passing. Her love and devotion make her one of us now. Thank you also to Mistie Cloninger, Superior Senior Care, and Gentiva Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Christian Home or Crowley's Ridge College.
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19 Condolence(s)
Richard Johnson
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gordon family. Sammye was such a generous supporter and encourager to a host of people associated with Crowley's Ridge College for many many years. She and Stanley were such special friends and fine Christian examples for everyone. Not sure that CRC would still be here today without all their efforts and encouragment.
Most grateful and in Christian love,
Richard Johnson, President of Crowley's Ridge College
Marty Knight
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Mrs. G was one of a kind. I was a blessed young man to grow up in a close-knit community filled with parents who provided love and care, not only for their own children but all of us. Sending love to all the family.
Lameta McMillen
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother, she sounds like a great lady! Cherish all the good memories
Love you all
Lameta
Debby Wiedower
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
We're so sorry to hear of Ms. Gordon's passing. The Lord knows when our time will be and HE awaits us with open arms if we are one of HIS.
Blaine Freeman
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Condolences to the Gordon family.
Terry Hall
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Praying for your family during this time of loss.
Jim and Lori King
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Our love and prayers are with you all. Granny was a character and we were happy to know her. She raised a wonderful family and we love you!
Lori & Jim
Dwight and Carie Samuel
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
"Her children rise up and call her blessed." What a legacy she left. May you all feel the peace of God as you walk through these days of sadness.
Cynthia Walter
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Aunt Sammy was truly a very strong woman and will be greatly missed.
Sue Bradley Gentry
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
So sorry to hear about your mom. Her and your daddy was so good to me back when Mickey got sick. My prayers are with all of the family.
Cynthia Walter
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Aunt Sammy was truly a very strong woman and will be greatly missed.
Toby and Sheryl Troutman
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Condolences to the Gordon family
Rodney Partee
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Prayers for the whole Gordon Family. She was a mess to say the least. So sorry for your loss
Sherry & Mike DeJarnette
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God continue to comfort each of you. Hate we are out of town this week & unable to make the services. Hugs & love from afar.
Sandra Jordan
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about your mom, losing a parent is one of the hardest things to do but we know there will be a great reunion when we all get to heaven. '
Deanna Shero
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your Mother!
Prayers and love to you all. Losing parents is hard…but better for them. Finally home
with God.♥️
anissa mason
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sharon im so so sorry about your mom. U know we grew up together and were good friends. Spent a lot of time it Yalls house. I loved your mom and dad. If you need anything u know where my mom lives. I love you and am praying for your whole family.
Cindy Heffington Dickey
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Adkisson
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Love and prayers to the family.
I enjoyed spending time with Sammye, and hearing about her life adventures '