Helen Ruth Jester Gordon

Mrs. Helen Ruth Jester Gordon, was born in Glenwood, Ark. on July 16, 1931. She was the youngest daughter of William “Willie” Jester and Chessie Long Jester. Helen died on October 20, 2017, in Hot Springs.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 41 years, Fletcher Ross Gordon; their daughter, Ruth Ann Herndon; as well as her mother and father; brothers, Luther, John, Roy and Sherman; and sisters, Lettie Howard and Lottie Droke and an infant sister, Floy.

Surviving her in her granddaughter Amanda Michelle Brast, great-granddaughter Mackenna Alexis Brast, grandson Jacob Daniel Gordon and great-granddaughter Milania Abigail Gordon, all of The Woodlands, Texas. She is also survived by her granddaughter Amy Ruthann Bonnabel, her husband Alfred and their children Fletcher and Jack, as well as son-in-law Jack Barry Herndon, all of Cabot, Arkansas. She is also survived by a son, Fletcher Lynn Gordon and his wife Katiusca of Hot springs and her daughter, Abdenalys of Dallas, Texas.

Helen's early years were lived in Glenwood, but later the family moved to Curtis Junction, not far from Arkadelphia. Helen graduated from Arkadelphia High School where she met her husband Fletcher. They were married on September 29, 1951.

Helen was an active member in the First Assembly of God Church, both in Arkansas and Oklahoma. She was an accomplished pianist and organist, playing as required for those churches she attended. She taught Sunday School and was a champion and supporter of the Churches Foreign Missions Program.

Helens professional career started in Hot Springs where she worked and managed an area shoe store. In the early 1960’s Helen, Fletcher and children moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma where for a number of years she was Vice President of Gordon Moving and Storage, before later becoming Vice President of Gordon Trucking Company. For some years Helen was President of the Ponca City chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, where she was active in civic affairs and local programs.

In 1976 Helen, Fletcher and Ruth Ann moved from Oklahoma to Osceola where Helen established Gordon Shoes. Helen and Fletcher also established two moving and storage companies in Blytheville. After Fletchers death, Helen retired in 1996 and moved back to Hot Springs.

Helen was a caregiver to all her family, friends and fellow man. Living a life of service to others, always putting their needs first. Her life was a testament and role model for what a Good Samaritan should be. She was a gracious and gentle woman, the finest example of Southern charm and hospitality, which was evident to all family and friends. All were welcomed into her home at any day or any hour.

Helen will lie in state at the funeral home starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24 with visitation from 5 – 7 p.m. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25 at the Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Burial will be in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery near Bonnerdale, Arkansas.

To sign Helen’s online tribute page go to www.ruggleswilcox.com.