Carolyn Ann Tift Gordon

Obituary For Carolyn Ann Tift Gordon

The funeral services for the late Mrs. Carolyn Ann Tift Gordon, who departed this life on Thursday, September 10, 2026, will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the First African Baptist Church-Temple of Hope in Sylvester, Georgia. Bishop Wade S. McCrae, Union Cathedral of Valdosta, Georgia, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden.

Carolyn Ann Tift Gordon was born on May 28, 1945, in Sylvester, Georgia, to the late Leila Mae Davis Tift and Alre “Duke” Palms. An only child, Carolyn was lovingly reared by her mother, Leila Mae, and her stepfather, Mr. Jake Tift, who also preceded her in death.

Carolyn received her early education in the Worth County School System. Throughout her working years, she held various jobs, including working in the family café and as a housekeeper for families in the community. When attending worship services, Carolyn found fellowship at First African Baptist Church.

Carolyn was a woman who enjoyed life and appreciated the finer things. She loved her perfumes, beautiful purses, nice shoes, and stylish clothes, and she took pleasure in looking her best. She enjoyed playing cards, laughing, spending time with others, and simply having a good time. Carolyn also had a heart for helping people and was willing to lend a hand when someone was in need.

Carolyn was formerly married to Nathaniel Gordon. She was the loving mother of three children: Andre, Vickie, and Shelton, who preceded her in death.

Carolyn's love for family extended far beyond traditional family lines. Following the loss of her cousin, LaVaughn, Carolyn lovingly embraced LaVaughn's children, Jocelyn Rabon and Wendell White, like her own, becoming a mother-like figure in their lives. That love continued through the generations, as she also embraced Kai (Rayshaun) Pittman, Amir White, Tristan White, and Brixx White with the love of a grandmother, and Alani Pittman with the love of a great-grandmother. They were not simply extended family; they held a very special place in Carolyn's heart and life.

On September 10, 2026, Carolyn departed this earthly life at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by her mother, Leila Mae Davis Tift; her father, Alre “Duke” Palms; her stepfather,
Mr. Jake Tift; and her son, Shelton Ford. She was also preceded in death by her aunt, Ethel Davis Rabon; her uncles, Arthur Lee Davis, James Davis, and Carl Davis; and her cousins, Henry Walter Rabon, Jr., LaVaughn White, and Lawrence Rabon. As an only child, Carolyn shared a particularly close bond with these cousins, who were more like siblings to her and filled a special place in her life.

But above all else, Carolyn loved her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Andre (Tonja) Tift and Vickie Hall; her grandchildren, Krisalyn Hall, Sharkivia Bozeman, Malcolm Ford, Shelton Ford, Andralyn (Patrick) Massey, Shabreka (LaQuita) Carter, Cory Ford, and Andre (Jade) Tift; and her great-grandchildren, Ke'Asijah Williams, Malcolm Ford, Jr., Malik Ford, Kenzie James, Bella James, Nyjah Ford, Zoey Malone, Michai Buckle, Adonis Massey, Alexander Massey, Adrian Tift, and Julian Tift.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy in her life. Carolyn also shared special bonds with her cousins Ozie Parker, Sharman Roberts, Courtney Rabon, and Brenda Rabon. She treasured the enduring friendship of her longtime friend, Trellis Douglas, as well as the companionship of Willie James Jones, her special friend and dedicated caregiver, whose care and devotion held a meaningful place in her life.

Carolyn also shared a special bond with the family's beloved fur baby, Coco Chanel White Rabon. Whenever Coco came to visit, she eagerly looked for Carolyn, and she enjoyed the special times when she would keep and care for Coco. Their affection for one another was unmistakable.

Carolyn also leaves a host of cousins and friends who will cherish her memory and the many moments they shared.

She will be remembered for enjoying the good things in life, for her willingness to help others, for the laughter and good times she shared, and, most of all, for the deep and abiding love she had for her family and friends.

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