Alice Renea Edwards Gordy, known by many as “Renea”, passed away on Friday April 3, 2020. She was surrounded by her loving family until she took her last breath and returned home peacefully to be with her savior. Renea was born in Twin Falls Idaho on January 10, 1939 and later relocated with her family in California where she graduated from Chula Vista High School. Renea then moved with her family to Anchorage Alaska where she met the love of her life Russell, whom she married on March 10, 1958. The couple returned to his hometown of Calvert County, Maryland, where they created a beautiful life together. Renea was a wonderful, nurturing and loving mother to 6 children, 25 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She was the matriarch of her family instilling many of her values, talents and constant generosity. Renea loved her family unconditionally, especially her “Sugar Babe” Russell of 62 years. She wouldn’t leave his sight without giving him a kiss first. He was her everything and never left her side even through her long battle with Dementia. The two were a living love story, admired by all who knew them.

Renea was a proud, humble and loyal servant to her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located in Sunderland, Maryland. She was one of the first members of the church in the area and over the years served in many ways including teaching the little ones in Primary, becoming a Sunday school teacher and Relief Society President. Renea never missed the opportunity to make one of her fabulous homemade meals for the Missionaries. Renea loved volunteering her time for church hospitality events and celebrating Pioneer Day. Renea was an exemplary leader for all to follow. Service work for others and doing what was right was her main purpose in life.

Renea enjoyed the simple things in life as you could always find her sitting on her back porch taking in whatever nature had to offer. She enjoyed volunteering for girl scouts and brownie troops while her daughters were young, she had a love for horses and writing heartwarming poetry, growing fruits and vegetables in her beloved garden, sewing quilts and making baby blankets. Renea always made each holiday special with her many traditions and variety of homemade gifts that always came from her heart. There wasn’t anything worth buying at the store that she couldn’t make better herself. Renea enjoyed singing church Hymns and good ole’ country music. She had a love for traveling as she never turned down the opportunity for a good adventure. Often times she would get together with her two sisters that she so cherished, DeJuan and Sharon. The sisters loved to meet in Salt Lake City, Utah, for women’s conference through their church. Renea always returned home with a beautiful story to tell followed by lots of laughs. Renea loved to tell stories of her childhood and the family owned Mexican Café’, El Juan’s, when her family lived out in California.  Above everything else, Renea had a passion for being in her kitchen, cooking and baking for all to enjoy. You never left her house without a full belly and a smile on your face. Renea welcomed everyone who crossed her path and made them feel as if she were your best friend. She had a special way about her to say the least.

Renea was the perfect wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her blessings of love, faith and the many life lessons that she bestowed upon us will forever live in our hearts. Renea’s beautiful legacy will surely live on through the many hearts that she has touched.

Renae was preceded in death by a son Ronald Wiley Gordy. She is survived by her husband Russell Warren Gordy, a son Russell Warren Gordy, Jr. and wife Laurie of Clearfield, UT, and daughters Donna Renea Dement of Jacksonville, FL, Alice Danette Marshall of Lusby, MD, Lorian Rae Sloper and husband Mark of Mechanicsville, MD, and Sharon Lynn Bryant of Huntingtown. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and over 35 great-grandchildren, and sisters Dejuan Tracy of Palmer, Alaska, and Sharon Anne Hubb of Anchorage, Alaska. She was preceded in death by a brother Hugh Edwards.