Elsweta Marjorie “Sis. Marjorie” Goulbourne Gordon was born on November 19, 1947 to Elva Louise Adams and Wilton Goulbourne in Lime Hall, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, WI. She was the youngest of five children. She attended and graduated from Ferncourt High School in Jamaica. After graduation, she worked in a post office in St. Ann’s Bay for several years while training to be a stenographer. She gave birth to her first daughter Karen Campbell in July 1968 in Jamaica and migrated to New York a couple years later. Elsweta worked as a housekeeper for various families in New York City while working to gain her citizenship. She gave birth to her son, Ian Coke in 1973 after settling in the Bronx, NY. She then began doing clerical work at Blue Cross Blue Shield where she wore stylish suits and spiked heels almost every day. She began attending the New United Holy Church of God in the Bronx when it opened in 1985 and was an extremely active member ever since. She married Bruno Onwumwere in 1985 at the church and gave birth to her daughter Nneka Onwumere in 1989. She went on to marry her current husband Garnet Gordon in 1992. She then worked as a medical assistant at the Bronx Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center for several years, went back to school (The New York Institute of Technology), and obtained her nursing degree. Elsweta worked as a registered nurse at the Bronx VA until she retired in 2015.
Elsweta like expensive things. Not accounting for today’s merchandise, back then when you bought exorbitant items, they lasted a lifetime. This includes clothing, shoes and furniture. She was extravagant not only for herself, but for the people around her. She gave her last to anyone who was in need and even when she did not have it, she found a way to make things happen for anyone she met. Countless gifts were given on her dime to her church family, and she never expected anything in return but fellowship with the brethren. Sis. Marjorie’s home served as a flop house for family, friends, and the friends of friends. When not blessing others in this way, she cooked! And she cooked for anyone and everyone. For her, there was one thing you could not be selfish with, and that was food. She is famous for her fried dumplings and saltfish. She will be remembered for making dinner every Sunday for those who stayed during the intermission between morning and evening services.
Elsweta Marjorie was beautiful inside and out. She was known for having amazing skin and always looking younger than she was, which is a family trait. Aside from natural beauty, her fashion sense and eye for quality was impeccable. She remained a confidant and therapist for her family, friends, and her church family just the same. It’s unfortunate that she did not always get that love in return. But that never stopped her from loving. She was a God-fearing woman and prayer warrior who would give you her last on any day. She was hands-down one of the best humans sent to planet Earth and I am assured Heaven gained an angel.
Elsweta is preceded in death by her parents Elva Louise Adams and Wilton Goulbourne. She leaves behind her husband, Garnet Gordon; daughter, Nneka Onwumere; son, Ian Coke; older sister, Evadne Russell; older brother, Neville Goulbourne; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Elsweta Marjorie touched many lives and did her best to bring everyone she met closer to the Lord. She will be profoundly missed and cherished always. May you rest well in the arms of your Lord and Savior.
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