Acting Principal Jennifer Gordon Dies Deaths inspire us to do better – Calabar track team
The death of three prominent members of the school community in a little over four months has hit them hard, but members of Calabar High School’s track team say the losses have motivated them to do even better and win the 2008 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ & Girls’ Athletic Championships, which begin today at the National Stadium.
The Calabar school fraternity woke up to the news last Saturday morning that Acting Principal Jennifer Gordon had collapsed and died at home the night before.
Gordon had been acting in place of principal Lincoln Thaxter since last September, but had been a teacher at the school for nearly 30 years.
The news of Gordon’s death came within months of the death of football team coach David Hunt, who collapsed and died in his bathroom on Friday, October 26, and that exactly one month later of former school track team coach, Jamaican Olympic legend Herb McKenley on November 26.
“I couldn’t believe it. I heard about it on Saturday morning when I was coming to training and the first time my friends told me I was saying they were joking or they were lying,” Antoine Chung, an 18-year-old middle distance runner, who was among a small group of track team members gathered at the Stadium East for training Monday, told the Observer.
Take a look at theseRelated posts:
- The Great Jamaican Athlete Herb McKenley dies at 85
- Calabar High team set to Dominate Howard Jackson Relays
- Singer Gives Calabar a pre-Champs boost
- Remembering Dr Gordon and Funeral Information
- Death of Herb McKenley Coverage in the Jamaican Media
Comments
27 Responses to “Acting Principal Jennifer Gordon Dies Deaths inspire us to do better – Calabar track team”
Leave a Reply
-
-
About
General community site and blog for one of Jamaica's finest educational Institutions, Calabar High School.
-
Blogroll
Top News Celebrity in Professional Online Magazine at www.proomag.com
Jah know, Mrs Gordon taught me during my day at cbar from 93-98. taught me english literature. She was big but yet so soft spoken. A great loss to the Calabar Community.
Literature Teacher for me in 4th and 5th form (1997 and 1998). A great loss of such a prominent member of the Rabalac Community.One a di realest teacher eva. R.I.P Mrs Gordon.
I’ll Remember you Mrs. Gordon. Indeed despite being of a large body size, she spoken so gently and was loved and respected by all whom she taught….my years there were from 89 – 94. Rest In Peace my dear dear lady, Ahhhh yes…..that exactly what she was a “Lady”.
…….An angel has left us….she was perfect in all her ways…Her faults were a mystery….
Those who knew her, loved and respected her.
A virtuous woman, temperate in all her ways…she spoke in careful whispers of love,slow to anger, firm on principle,very articulated,very poised and measured.She puts you at ease.We never really feared Mrs.Gordon ;we simply respected her enough to do as she asks.
‘Calabar was her life’…. She served the school with dedication and distinction at all levels.
She saw us not for who we were, but who we can become.
She taught me literature in grades 10-11 and was my supervisor in year 8 and 10. 1992-1997(97-99)
I am glad I had the opportunity to have known her personally over years and finally be able say my last good byes.Her lasts words to me this January were ‘I will get some rest Geovanie somewhere in between it all, I will get some rest’.
Long may her memory live as an example to us all.
May her soul rest in peace until her hope meets eternal on christs return.
Geovanie
’92-99′
Mrs Gordon was a wonderful lady.
Soft spoken, not easily angered, always giving good advice.
I met her about a year ago in the bank and throught that restablished relationship I was able to hire her son for a summer job. He’s bright, ambitious young man who obviously took the best charactersitics of his mother. Every now and then we would call each other ensuring that we kept in touch. She was always proud when she saw her ex-students doing well.
Only now with her death do I realise that she always taught a couple guys that report to me at work, and that she was also active with her church and offered good advice to everyone she met.
Walk good “Ms Gordon” – You are an inspiration and a very person to boot.
Mrs Gordon (One of the few teachers i liked), taught me Literature in sixth form (lower-1999). If she taught us in upper sixth form we would have surely received better grades as her teaching methods brought the points across in a more meaningful way. An incredible lady, smart, intelligent, soft spoken yet stern, she was truly a blessing to the Calabar Family. Indeed her passing is great loss to us but to her it is a gain. A well deserved rest in the arms of her Father.
R.I.P Mrs Gordon. Walk Good.
Dr. j. Gordon truly has lived her life to the fullest as i remeber. I highly respected her not just because she respected me but because she motivated me to be better. Even though she didn’t teach me we still had a close relationship. At first when i heard i thought it was a joke, when i heard at school, i leaned against the wall for a good time before i could move again. She loved Calabar & wanted to see us excel. the psalmist says “Precious in the sight of the lord is the death of his saints”. as humans we will cry but let us remeber her work was not in vain. May the life she lived speak for her & light perpetual shine continually on her.
Rest in peace. “well done”
Beautiful woman of God and a beautiful person both inside and out.
She is a true inspiration, she touched my life while at Calabar, i love her. She is absolutely wonderful, gentle, kind, loving, friendly and everything a person could ask for. I’m really gonna miss her and i love that the guys are motivated to take home this champs for her.
A true worshipper, a true follower of Jesus Christ, Jennifer Gordon.
Mrs. Jenifer Gordon a soft spoken well loved and highly respected teacher of Calabar a school she loved and cherished.She spoke calmly and managed to do in her way what others only think about hen it came to comunicating with the boys at school. She always looked pass your skin and saw your heart and thats what she touched when she spoke to the boys at Calabar. Mrs. Gordon you may be gone but I can tell you you have left a legacy that can never be matched or forgotten. You taught me while I was there 1980-86 Love you
May your soul Rest in Peace……
[...] Michael Clarke, a former student/athlete at Calabar, was registering his 10th hold on the trophy, having won once with St Jago (1987), seven times with JC (1991, ‘92, ‘94, ‘95, ‘98, ‘99, and 2000 as well as last year with his alma mater. The Calabar head coach told the Sunday Observer that this victory meant a lot to the school in an academic year that saw the school family losing legendary Olympian Herb McKenley, as well as David Hunt, the Kingston College old boy who coached the football team to victory in the last school year, and acting principal Jennifer Gordon. [...]
I just saw this announcement and wondering if it is the former Jennifer Keene who attended Mico College. I am a past teacher at Calabar High School and by the sentiments I read by the students of Calabar, it must be the same person. She was a Christian, quiet and a virtuous woman. I am pleased to see the effect she had on her students. I am in no way surprised. God bless your soul, Jennifer
Never been to calabar, but I personally knew Mrs. Minister Jennifer Gordon and I know how much she loved the school and the student. May her soul rest in peace and continue to do well Calabar High school.
A Calabar old boy just alerted me to Dr. Gordon’s death. I am saddened beyond belief. Dr. Gordon opened my eyes to the wonderful ways in which literature has the power to transform people’s lives. So, I think it is only fitting to dedicate this poem from my book of poetry to her memory:
Voyage
The sun doth set upon my soul
My spirit is set free.
The earth I shall no more behold
Nor waves of ecstasy.
The light doth fade before my eyes,
So fades the spoken word.
“Tis here, Alas!” With tearful sighs
I fly free from the world.
I voyage through eternity.
At last I comprehend
The cause of the fraternity
Of others at this end.
‘Tis wondrous how the black ravine
Does suddenly appear
To change into a vivid scene
Of rushing waters clear.
Restrain those crystals falling free
For them there is no need.
“Tis here, at last!” And I can see
New waves of ecstasy.
Though I am gone I still remain
Upon your earthly shore.
My soul reclaimed; devoid of pain.
‘Tis changed forevermore.
Rest in peace, Dr. Gordon.
Love,
O.
The passing of Dr. Gordon is indeed a great loss to the Calabar family. She taught Geography and Literature to the class of 1985 (1980-1985).
Jennifer Gordon, not only was she my English Language, English Literature and Georgraphy teacher (class of ’85) she was my sister-in-law.
Always a lady and truly inspiring.
May your soul rest in peace
Jen:
You are a dear Friend, we all loves you but GOD loves you more. You will surely be missed and is still like its not real. Rest in perfect peace.
Remi Daodu
Former Math Teacher @ Calabar
Dr. Gordon, we cannot believe you are gone.Our lovely Acting Principal who believed in us.Thank you for all your motivation. Thank you for believing in us. We had it all planned to take the trophy to you in the grandstand because this champs was for you. God bless you Dr. G.
Sympathies to the Rabalac Community and the family of Dr. Gordon. Kudos to the Championship Team of 2008.
Calabar people are known to dig deep and to mine precious gem stones from the fiery belly of the earth ‘mis-fortunes.’ fire and pressure purifies and hardens, forging diamonds of beauty and great price. The spontaneous outpouring of love for Dr. Gordon and the testimony of her inspiration from the 2008 championship team, speak eloquently of the beauty and value of the erudite heroine and the young heroes.
Rest in God’s arms Dr. Gordon and happy hunting lads.
Errol ‘Ziggy’ Stewart Upper 6, Class of 1977
Knew Mrs Gordon from I was knee high,she taught me Literature and was my grade 8 supervisor. Mrs Gordon will be surely missed!!!
I too remember Dr. Gordon as a humble, soft spoken, God-Fearing and compassionate teacher at the illustrious Fraternity of Rabalac. Stunned was my reaction after being told of her death and even today i reflect on the brevity of life and how we should really honor every waking moment it offers. Mrs. Gordon was my grade 10 supervisor and she imparted many inspirational messages and lessons to our then young minds. I will always remember her smile, that just glowed and brightened every room and walls of the calabar mecca. CaLabar has really lost a very good teacher and friend but her memory will live in my heart forever and ever. Bless!
Kevin Powell (Class of 93-98)
Guy in the wheelchair!
Dr.Gordon aka(Sissy) We love you very much
will never forget you. You were an inspirarion to
me and my family. Heven receive a gem,we need you
but God need you more.You were such a blessing
and you left a legacy with us.Bro Gordon and Andrew stay encourage. Time will heal all wounds.
Love you
Pres& Bev
I’ve known Dr Gordon affectionately called ‘sissy’ all my life.We grew up together in the very unique Model church of God.She was a class act and the epitome of ladylikeness.A godly and virtuous woman,who exhibited a quiet and meek spirit.She didn’t clamour to be served,but rather to serve.No airs, no graces,just down home humble.A woman of Christlike character.To Bro G and Andrew,take comfort in knowing that her life was invaluable.She influenced others for good and she is gone on to her just reward.I borrow words from a popular song as I close:Sissy,your candles burned out long before your legend ever will!!!!I will never forget you.Light perpetual nows shines upon you and your soul rests in peace.Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace….Yvette…..
Dr. Gordon favourite song to sing….according to ‘her’ the only one she could sing….lol
God Delivers Again !
1. Standing there at the Red Sea
God’s people began to complain
“Soon Pharaoh and His mighty army
Would take us in bondage again.”
“Stand still and see the salvation
“Of the Lord,” Moses cried
Then God parted the waters
And they crossed to the other side
(Chorus)
God delivers again, oh, my God delivers again
When it seems that all is lost, He reaches down His hand
When all the forces of evil have to flee at His command
Just when things look hopeless, my God delivers again
2. “We’ll never bow to your idols,”
The Hebrew children proclaimed
So the King gave the command,
“Throw them into the flame”
The King said, “Did we not cast three men
“Into the furnace bound?
“I see four men loose in in the fire
“Unhurt, and they’re walking around!…
…its the little things…
Little is much when God is in it !
Labour not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown-and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ Name.
Fare thee well.
She was Ms Keene for me in 1978. I got my first detention from her in first form and it was well deserved. She was a wonderful person and dedicated to her students.
dat damn woman,altho mi did rate har,she did sheg up still bout she dont like me,well my science stronger dan fi har!!b4 she detain me,i give har a permanent detention.
Tribute to Mrs. Jennifer Keene-Gordon
My confidant, my friend, my everything. My world almost collapsed when I heard of the passing of the veil of not only a lover of God to the core of her being, but a shining example and a distinguished career woman, no matter what the venture.
Forever missed. Forever loved. Forever looked forward to being reunited with when Jesus Christ returns. I will keep abiding in the Christian faith, hoping always, and staying happy because of the life of Jennifer, Sissy (my Gody) (family more than the world knows – and that’s the coolest). She was my comfort, my rock, my reason to smile everyday she lived. May her soul stay secure in Jesus’s arms. Was so very beautiful inside and out and always having a cheer for her friends. I am so glad that above the hugs, christmas cards, birthday cards – the friendship between us was so very real. Friends that had each others backs at all cost.
I will love you still as if you haven’t died,
Keesh (Keesha Antoinette Skeffery – New Jersey, USA)
dat damn woman,altho mi did rate har,she did sheg up still bout she dont like me,well my science stronger dan fi har!!b4 she detain me,i give har a permanent detention.
Who wrote this tribute – I think it was very funny.
Serving still?