Hortense Josephine Catherine Gordon Lewis went home to be with the Lord on the morning of November 13, 2016 at Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. Hortense, affectionately known as "Aunt Tiny" was born on September 24, 1928 in Frederick Hall, VA and was the sixth child born to the late John and Josephine Williams Gordon. She was proceeded in death by two sisters, Zenobia Carter and Selma Moore; three brothers, Baby Boy Gordon, William Gordon and John Gordon; one nephew, Lopez Moore; one great-nephew, Ruben Gordon and her husband the late Jesse Lewis.

She attended Mt. Garland Elementary School and was a graduate of Louisa Training School. Hortense was a 1950 graduate of Elizabeth City Teachers College. Throughout the years, she continued her studies at VA State College and the University of VA. She was employed by the Louisa County School Board at Mt. Garland Elementary School and Mineral Elementary School. She retired after thirty-six years of service and received many awards during her career. After her retirement, she worked at the Spotsylvania County Clerk's Office. In addition to doing volunteer work, she also enjoyed composing poems, public speaking and presenting awards to others. She was baptized by the late Rev. A. L. Upshaw and received Christ at an early age.

Hortense was a life long member of Mt. Garland Baptist Church. Whenever the church doors opened she would always try to be there. She sang on the choir and her favorite hymn was "Your Grace and Mercy". In addition to singing, she was also a devoted Deaconess, Church Clerk for many years, a devout Missionary, a Sunday School teacher and participated in other numerous church activities. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rebecca Chapter #124. She was a devoted member of the Mattaponi Baptist Association of Virginia and the Mattaponi Women's Missionary and Educational Convention graciously named a scholarship in her honor. She was active in the Mattaponi Church School and BTU Conventions. Hortense was also active in her community. She was a member of the Louisa County Sunday School Union, AARP Louisa County Chapter #3049, the National Chapter of the NAACP, the Historical Society, a Commission on Aging Rep, participated in events at the Betty Queen Intergenerational Center and participated with political and other community events. She wore her hats proudly, walked quickly and possessed old fashion virtues. Aunt Tiny didn't have any children but she cared about her students, cared for her sisters' and brothers' kids, and was thought of as Loretta's older sister.

She is survived by her seven nieces, Loretta Cosby of Woodbridge, VA, Clarissa Hayes (Montel) of Richmond, VA, Zenobia Austin (Earl) of Appomattox, VA, Edna Carter of Woodford, VA, Conchita Moore of Charlottesville, VA, Adrienne Fagler (John) of Copenhagen, Denmark and Carman Montue of Baltimore, MD; four nephews, William Gordon, Jr. (Kay) of Durham, NC, John Gordon (Linda) of Danville, VA, Thomas Gordon (Angela); seven great nieces and two great nephews; one sister-in-law, Ruby Gordon of Dumfries, VA; one first cousin, Juanita McNeal; eight great-great nieces; one great-great nephew; one devoted great niece, Ebony Austin of Appomattox, VA ; devoted cousins, Dorothy Chandler, Louise Worden, Edith Bell, Thelma Hill, Elaine Landrum and Shirley Wells; her best friends since childhood, Sarah Winston and Alma Mason and devoted friend, Grace Carter. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2016 at Mt. Garland Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Mt. Garland Baptist Church, 4000 Buckner Road Bumpass, VA 23093 with Reverend Dwain R. Cosby, Officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.