Obituaries
Obituary: Dorothy Gorden
Her unwavering dedication was more than professional—it was a guiding example for her family.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Dorothy Gorden
Dorothy Gorden, age 90, a long time Joliet resident, fell asleep in death Saturday, November 08, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. She was born July 19, 1935, in Louin, Mississippi, to the late Ruby (nee Reyford) and John Henry Williamson.
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She devoted countless years to Brockway Plastic, where she earned the respect of all who worked alongside her. When the company closed, she embraced a new chapter with the same determination, serving as a Product Demonstrator at Sam’s Club until her well-deserved retirement. Her unwavering dedication was more than professional—it was a guiding example for her family.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially in her love for cooking and gardening. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, where family and friends gathered to share meals made with care and heart. Beyond her talents, she was a natural caregiver—always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, and provide unwavering support to those in need. Her selflessness and gentle strength touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and grace that will never be forgotten.
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She dedicated her life to our loving, Heavenly Father, Jehovah and was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on July 6, 1963. She was a faithful servant of Jehovah until death.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents, the late Ruby (nee Reyford) and John Henry Williamson; her loving husband of 61 years, SL Gorden; sisters, Bernice Washington, Jeanette Brown and Irdean Smith; brothers, Willie B. Williamson, Caris Williamson, Herbert Williamson, John Henry Williamson and Edgar Williamson; grandson, Oliver Thompson Jr.
Dorothy is survived by her four daughters, Linda Ignacek, Cheryl Ann (Robert) Jones, Regina Williamson, and Lydia (Oliver) Thompson; her nephew, Joseph Williamson, whom she raised as her own; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, a few great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sonia Rodriguez, Shiela Washington (niece), Rafus Williamson Jr. (grandson), Nancy Johnson (best friend), and Lightways Hospice for the exceptional care and support provided to our loving mother and grandmother.
Visitation for Dorothy Gorden will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Brown Cemetery in Elwood.
The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Saturday, November, 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Please click on this link (https://youtube.com/live/erv8ilu4x-E?feature=share) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
