Janet Lynn (Roberts) Gordon

Janet Lynn Roberts Gordon was called Home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.  The wife of Phil Thomas Gordon whom she married on Sunday, September 3, 1967.  The daughter of the late (William) Len Roberts and Jessie (Crockett) Roberts and elder sister to (William) Keith Roberts, Janet was born on Tuesday, September 3, 1946, at her parents’ home (in the very home where Janet grew up) in Sharon, Tennessee.

Janet’s life was marked by service to others, a deep love of family, and a humorous outlook on life.  She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, cooking, gardening, reading, making jewelry and especially traveling with her husband, Phil.  She held her greatest love for her family, who referred to her as a “loving mother”.  Janet attended church and was a “child of God”.

Growing up in Sharon, Janet was blessed to experience quintessential small-town America where doors were not locked, people never passed a stranger, and neighbors were always ready and willing to help. In many ways, these experiences shaped her love of people and her desire to be someone that friends and family could always count on no matter the circumstances. 

Janet’s heart and authenticity also attracted many people to her. During her Senior year at Sharon High School, she was named Homecoming Queen; many of the relationships she formed there lasted a lifetime. Through the years, Janet made time to gather with old friends from high school and share memories of their days in Sharon.

While growing up in Sharon, Janet met and eventually married the love of her life, Phil Gordon. At the age of 6, Phil gave Janet the first of many gifts, a toy train.  During 2nd grade, both Janet and Phil would hang their coats on hooks next to each others’.  Phil and Janet started “going steady” in their Sophomore year of high school.

After high school, Janet began school at The University of Tennessee at Martin.  After college, newlyweds Janet and Phil left their beloved hometown and began teaching in Florida.  Even though Janet moved away, her love of Sharon stayed with her.  In fact, Phil and Janet moved back to Sharon after the birth of their first child, Alisa.

Janet worked several places during her career, but her most long-term position was the 8 years she spent teaching at Sharon Elementary School. She became a key resource for the school and community through the years, but it was never the identity she cherished.

Her faith and her family were always at the forefront, along with a devotion to Sharon First Baptist Church, her beloved church family.  As a testimonial to her commitment to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Janet served continuously as a piano player, a choir member and a Sunday School teacher.  There was nowhere she felt more at home.

The relationships Janet built in Sharon were deep and abiding and have carried her throughout her adult life.

To all who knew Janet, she was a kind, sincere soul who radiated God’s love and peace.  She will be greatly missed by her family, but they take great joy in knowing that Janet’s soul and spirit are now at rest and that her warm, gentle smile will be there to greet them when they join her with Jesus. 

Janet’s memory and legacy are carried on by her husband of nearly 56 years, Phil Thomas Gordon; her children, Alisa Lynn Fish (Harry), Chris Gordon (Tammy), and Craig Gordon (Patrick); 7 grandchildren; and innumerable extended family and friends. 

Janet’s Celebration of Life & Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 9, at Sharon First Baptist Church, 5516 US Highway 45, Sharon, Tennessee.  Visitation is to be held  11:00 am - 2:00 pm, with the Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 pm.  Pallbearers are the beloved sons of Janet, including Chris Gordon, Craig Gordon, as well as her son-in-law, Harry Fish and her nephews, Bob Robinson, Brad Robinson and Bob Connelly.  Burial Service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janet Gordon’s name to Sharon First Baptist and Woodlawn Cemetery, where she served on the Board of Directors.

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