January 4, 1939-December 31, 2024
Jo Jeff Ford Gordon passed away on Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was 85 years old. She was surrounded by loved ones and comforted in her final moments. Although our family is heartbroken by this loss, we find peace knowing Jo Jeff / Mom / Meme has entered the Gates of Heaven in her most angelic form, reuniting with her mother and father at last.
Jo Jeff Ford Gordon was born on January 4th, 1939, to her mother Lucille and father Javus Foster Ford in Newton, MS. She attended Newton High School where she excelled in both academics and extracurriculars like dancing and playing the piano. Her love for the arts and music led her to joining her school’s marching band. Outside of school, Jo Jeff could be found at her family’s business—the famous “Ford’s Ice Cream Parlor.” She greeted and welcomed every customer with her warm smile quickly followed by a perfect mix of charm and whit. Once she’d finish helping out at the ice cream parlor, she’d spend the rest of her day playing on the baseball field her father built right next door.
After graduating from Newton High School, Jo Jeff began her collegiate career at Sullins Girls School in Bristol, VA, where she completed 2 years of coursework before transferring to Louisiana State University to finish her studies. While at LSU, Jo Jeff was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sororitiy as well as a Golden Girl in the LSU Marching Band. Her baton and twirling skills were mesmerizing, eventually earning her the title of Grand Marshall. To this day, her baton still has never touched the ground.
After college, Jo Jeff married Dr. James Don Gordon, and the pair moved to Jackson, MS to begin making their new home. Jo Jeff and James had four children together. She found great joy in following LSU and Ole Miss sports. While her son played baseball at Ole Miss, you could always find her in the stands, cheering along with her best friend Kay Gex.
Jo Jeff’s love of music and the arts continued to grow with and follow her through life. In Jackson, she was a member of the Mississippi Arts Festival Follies, the Mississippi Ballet Company, and the Mississippi Gourmet Committee. Her greatest joys in life, were her children and grandchildren.
Jo Jeff is survived by her four children, Ginger Lu Gordon Buckley, Dr. Kyle Ford Gordon, Tara Lee Gordon Antwine, and Dr. Jeffrey Don Gordon; her nine grandchildren, William Donald “Trey” Buckley III, Tyler Ford Buckley, Brooks Gordon Antwine, Meg Gordon Long, Peyton Charles Antwine, Reese Dayton Antwine, Dr. Kyle Ford Gordon Jr., Logan Foster Antwine, and James Augustus “Gus” Gordon, and one great-grandchild, Dean Ford Buckley
Jo Jeff was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, teacher, model, cook, performer, and so many other things during her almost 86 years on Earth. She was a powerhouse of a woman—an inspiration to her family and friends alike. Each of us now carries a part of her in our hearts. Her memory will live on through all of the lives she touched. Though our grief may be tremendous, our love is far bigger.
We honored Jo Jeff’s life and legacy at a graveside service on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at the Masonic Cemetery, 600 Decatur Street, Newton, MS, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon with family and close friends. Arrangements were entrusted to Newton County Funeral Home.
Paid Obituary
