Mother Jezeree Buckley

Jezeree Gordon was born into time on March 4, 1921 in Altheimer, Arkansas to the union of Ezekiel and Nannie O’Neil Gordon. Being born into a large family of 16 siblings, her parents led by example and instilled in her a genuine love for God, the church and her family. Mother Jezeree Buckley was Saved and Filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age in the year of our Lord 1940; under the Leadership of the Late, Elder Andrew Tate; Pastor of the Tate Temple Church of God in Christ. As we retract the footsteps of Mother Jezeree Buckley, a pioneer of the Church of God in Christ, we can only give thanks to God for the many lives she has touched and enriched. Be it known to all; Mother Buckley has been a Loyal and Faithful Member of Tate Temple Church of God in Christ for “Seventy Three” Glorious Years of her life. Of these “Seventy Three” Years; Mother Buckley has served “Ten” Years under the Leadership of Elder Andrew Tate; “Forty Seven” Years under the Leadership of Superintendent O. N. Dennis; and “Sixteen” Years under the Present Leadership of Superintendent LeRoy Williams. Mother Buckley held many positions in the church and has served faithfully in all areas of Ministry. She served as a Sunday school teacher; Pastor’s Aid President; Young Women Christian Council Teacher; Choir Member; and lastly, Mother Buckley was a proud member of the Mother’s Board Department. Mother Buckley faithfully attended church until her health failed her. She lived a life that was a testimony of her faith in God, as well as, a demonstration of her commitment to Him. Her trademark smile won the heart of James Rome Buckley, a young man in the Army. After a brief courtship, she married her love, partner and friend on September 23, 1948. They became the proud parents of 11 children. No more twins but one, they shared so many wonderful years together. She was his greatest supporter, and she never had to worry about anything because James was always there. Jezeree was a wonderful mother who never wavered in her devotion to her husband and children. She always made sure they were clean, fed and well-mannered. She did not believe in sparing the rod and had no problem “telling it like it is”. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her home was a place widely known for abundant portions of food, good advice, and wonderful home-cooked meals. She worked with the Foster Grandparent Program at Central Primary School for 20 years. She often spoke about how bad the kids were, but she loved them anyway. Those children were her heart, and she looked forward to making a difference in someone’s life. As a seasoned woman full of life and wit, Jezeree was very active in her community. She wasted no time calling city officials and leaders into account for anything she saw as a misrepresentation of fairness and equity. She was a strong advocate of fairness of doing what’s right. She was the grass root force that fought with city government officials to get curbs and gutters along South Peake Street. Her passion and success gained her respect from local, state and national leaders. She was privileged to meet and have as very dear friends Sis. Georgia Hill, Sis. Mary Ross and Sis. Earnestine Chapman. “Jet”, as she was often called, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh, because laughter is good for the soul. A woman of great beauty, poise, elegance and grace, her radiant smile shined like a beacon of light in darkness. She brought joy into the lives of all she touched. Her irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on. Time and space will not allow for a full account of the life of this precious Saint. On Sunday, October 27, 2013, the Master elected to use His unlimited authority to pull one of His roses from His garden to take home to live with Him in eternity. Jezeree was preceded in passing by her parents; her husband, James Rome Buckley; an infant son, Johnny Buckley; her grandson, Paul Buckley; her siblings, Johnnie Gordon, Mammie Gordon, GaHazel Gordon, Cleophus Gordon, Henry Gordon, Margaret Ree Gordon, Lee Ethel Gordon, Geraldine Gordon, Ezekiel Gordon, Betty Sue Gordon, Shelby Gordon, Prophet Gordon, Hezekiah Gordon, Cleveland Gordon and Madic Gordon. Her existence has enriched the lives of her 11 children: Mary “Mamie Sue” Heard (James) of Chicago, IL, Barbara Carter of Arkadelphia, Joyce Johnson (Hercules Miles) of Arkadelphia, James Buckley of Arkadelphia, Mary Ann Caradine (Bennie) of Arkadelphia, Larry Buckley of Arkadelphia, Guyronne Buckley (Denise) of Arkadelphia, Nancy Hall (Ronnie) of Arkadelphia, Patricia Walker (Anderson) of Arkadelphia, Evangelist Letri Bradford (James) of Georgetown, SC and Bonnie Jones (Timothy) of Arkadelphia; one brother Cleveland Gordon of Hot Springs, AR; four grandchildren she raised, Jeannie Hall of Sherwood, AR, Christopher Knox (Pam) of Arkadelphia, Warner Buckley (Kelly) of Fayetteville, AR, and Guyronne Buckley, Jr., of Arkadelphia; forty-five grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Public visitation Friday, November 1, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Tate Temple COGIC. The last farewell will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Superintendent LeRoy Williams will deliver the eulogy. Interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Bearers of the casket Cedric Stargate, Jeff Stargate, Anthony Stargate, Kelvin Stargate, Christopher Knox, Warren Buckley, Clayton Buckley, Kendrick Thrower, Shelly Thrower, Edmond Bradford and Jarrod Bradford.