Orealia Gordon

Orealia Gordon, 62, of 151 Glenwood Ave., Meadville, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2016, at home.

Orealia was born in Philadelphia, on January 15, 1954, a daughter of the late Felder L. Nettles and the late Aretha Mae (Medlock) Rhodes.

On July 24, 1982 Orealia married Anthony Gordon; he survives.

She was an active member of St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church where she served as the Director of the Deaconess Board, on the Culinary Ministry and as Advisor of the Audio Visual Ministry.  Additionally she served as the Pennsylvania State Director of Hospitality for the Full Gospel Baptist Church.

The epitome of hospitality, Orealia was founder, owner and operator of Orealia's Catering where she successfully satisfied the pallets of all she served.  With her staff of ten, she looked forward to hosting and serving up to 700 delegates from around the country for the annual Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Conferences.  From starting a food truck in Philadelphia to opening a restaurant in Meadville, her skills and expertise resulted in her serving in surrounding states.  She was the founding caterer of the Sharon Ogden Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast, an event she held near and dear to her heart.  Battling with her own fight against breast cancer since 1997, she had overcome the disease for a period of ten years before a reoccurrence.  She fought back for another six years until 2013.  Orealia enjoyed running and in her earlier years was employed by the Y.M.C.A. 

Orealia held firm to the Scripture " I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17) and that is how she lived her life.

In addition to her husband Anthony of 34 years Orealia is survived by two sons Captain Rasheed Rhodes (US Army) and his wife TaShira of Lansing, MI; Honorable Khalif J. Rhodes and his wife Courtney of Charlotte, NC; two daughters Kamilah Gordon of  Hampton, GA; Aaliyah Gordon of Meadville; 11 grandchildren, a sister Margaret Lloyd of Philadelphia; a brother Garrett Rhodes of Philadelphia; a special niece Jamie “Jamiebug” Lloyd of Philadelphia; numerous nieces; nephew; and cousins. As well as a host of friends, church family and others touched by her awesome ministry.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 12:30 - 2:30 at St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 792 N,. Main St., Meadville, where a Home Going Service will be held at 2:30 PM with Bishop Jesse N. Gavin, Pastor, officiating.

Orealia will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com