Apostle Joyce M. Gordon

It is with great sadness we announce the heavenly transition of Apostle Joyce M. Gordon, 84, of Ravenel, SC who answered the Master's call to receive her eternal reward on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Roper St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, SC. Apostle Joyce M. Gordon was the Pastor of St. James Holiness Church of Deliverance, Ravenel, SC. Apostle Gordon was truly God’s chosen vessel and a giant in the Lord, in her church, in the community and among her family and friends she will be missed dearly. Apostle Joyce M. Gordon was the forever loving Mother of Co-Pastor Yvonne H. Wigfall and Kelvin D. Heyward and the loving sister of Edna Jenkins, Helen Bright-Backman, Maddie Bright-Green, Wilhelmina Bright-Wright and Edward Bright.

The family will be receiving family and friends at 5981 Fireman Dr. Ravenel, SC 29470 daily between the hours of 5-8 PM. While at the residence a face mask must be worn at all times.  Continue to keep the Gordon, Heyward and Wigfall family in your prayers during this difficult time.

You are welcome to leave your condolences on our Tribute Wall.

LIFE REFLECTIONS OF A LIFE WELL LIVED OF APOSTLE M. GORDON

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  2 Timothy 4:5-8

Apostle Joyce M. Gordon was born April 16, 1938 to the late Nancy Shack and Sam Shack. She transitioned to Glory on May 22, 2022 at Roper St. Francis Hospital. She was a native of Ravenel, SC and was a graduate of Miley Hill Elementary School, Baptist Hill High School, and she attended Palmer College. Being the ambitious person she was, she also attended Morris College Extension where she received her certificate in Religion. She went on to attend the Gulf Seminary in Charleston, SC where she received her Bachelor of Theology Degree and graduated with the Conferred Honor of “Salutatorian.”

Apostle Gordon was the proud owner of Joyce Beauty Salon at 5981 Fireman Drive in Ravenel, SC. She was a Financial Analysis with Primerica Life Insurance Company where she insured families, helped families to become debt free, and financially independent.

The Lord called Apostle Gordon into Holiness in 1965. One year later, the Lord anointed her to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and gave her a witness (Isaiah 61:1). She preached her trial sermon at Mt. Zion First Born Holiness Church in Johns Island, SC under the leadership of the late Elder Henry Johnson. She was ordained by the late Bishop C.P. Townsend. It was through the inspiration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that Apostle Gordon and Mother Alma Jenkins started the ministry known as St. James Holiness Church of Deliverance. Apostle Gordon was chosen to be the Pastor of St. James Holiness Church in 1981. She was anointed and chosen by God to the office of an Apostle in 1988. The Lord used Elder Mary Gillard to confirm this prophecy to the church. Throughout her ministry, she held many positions in the church. She was elected as District Evangelist, District Mother in the First Born Holiness Churches, and Assistant National Mother with the Sounds of Praise, Inc.

Apostle Gordon conducted great revivals preaching and teaching throughout South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Jamaica, North Carolina, and Africa. Her desire was to win souls for the Kingdom and her prayer was for all souls to be saved and ready to go back with Jesus when He comes back for the church.

She was proceeded in death by her husband the late Deacon Charles Gordon; Sons: The late Arnold D. Heyward & the late Hezekiah Heyward; Siblings: Eartha Lee Johnson, Ernestine Sumpter, Lizzy McNeil, Bobby Porter, Jessie Wright, & Walter Bright; & Grandson: Kelvin Smalls.

She leaves to cherish her memories her Children: Co- Pastor Yvonne H. Wigfall & Kelvin D. Heyward; Siblings: Edna Jenkins, Helen Bright-Backman, Maddie Bright- Green, Wilhelmina Bright-Wright, & Edward Bright; Grandchildren: Georgereeco J. Wigfall- Lt. Col (Ret) (Jasmine), Andre’ D. Wigfall (Rene’), Minister Shavonne O. Wigfall, Kelvin D. Heyward, Jr., Arnold D. Heyward, Jr.-CW2 (Ret.) (Sasha), Antonio N. Heyward, Sr.- Sergeant 1st Class, Hezekiah Heyward, & Trio Hutchison, Great Grandchildren: Avondrea B. Wigfall- Carter, Myles J. Wigfall, Lena R. Wigfall, Javon J. Wigfall, Ethan A. Wigfall, Roman E. Wigfall, Kierah D. Heyward, Arland Y. Heyward, Anya Smalls, Kelvin D. Smalls, Aalaysia Butler, Beautiful Te’ziah Simmons, Kyla Heyward, and Antonio Heyward, Jr. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives.

The wake will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 6-8 PM at St. James Holiness Church of Deliverance,  6031 Roper Run Rd. Ext. Ravenel, SC 29470.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at New Bethel Sounds of Praise, 351 Greyback Rd. Summerville, SC 29483.  Chief Apostle Allen H. Simmons, Presiding Prelate and Overseer Christian A. Simmons, Senior Pastor

Apostle Gordon will lie in state until the hour of service.

Interment: Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Rd. Charleston, SC 29414

A face mask is required at both the wake and service. Please continue to adhere to all Covid-19 Protocols. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.