Bland County, VA - Irene Hounshell Gordon, affectionately known as"Nedde" to family and friends, of Mechanicsburg, VA (Bland County),passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 88, with her loving sonsby her bedside. Born on October 15, 1937, she was the daughter of Estle BrownHounshell, Sr. and Mary Virginia Harden Hounshell.

On September 4, 1957, she married the love of her life,Douglas Lee Gordon, Sr., in York, South Carolina. Their 67-year marriage wasmarked by devotion, faith, and partnership, beginning with Doug proudlybringing his new bride home to Bland in his cherished 1957 Chevrolet.

She is survived by her sons, Douglas Lee Gordon II andRobert Thomas Gordon; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members; andher dear friends at Byrnes Chapel Church. In addition to her husband, she waspreceded in death by her parents and six siblings.

Before and during her marriage, Irene worked atNewberry's of Bland, but her greatest calling was caring for her family andhome. She was the heart of the Gordon household and an integral part of theMechanicsburg community. Alongside Doug and the Gordon family, she helpedsustain Gordon's Store, a three-generation family business that served as agathering place and cornerstone of the community for more than 55 years. Tomany, Irene and Doug were seen as the heart of Mechanicsburg.

A woman of deep faith and talent, Irene was a publishedpoet, devoted Sunday School teacher, compassionate caregiver, faithfulneighbor, an avid crossword enthusiast. Known for her practical wisdom andresourcefulness, she was often the person others turned to for encouragement,advice, or simply a listening ear. Her family often joked that if the categoryon Jeopardy was the Bible, where she ran the table, she would have been nearlyimpossible to beat.

The family will receive friends at A. Vest & SonsFuneral Home on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral servicecelebrating Irene's life will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1 p.m.,with burial to follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made toByrnes Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Betsy Newberry, 1054 Byrnes ChapelRoad, Bland, VA 24315.

The Gordon Family is in the care of A. Vest & SonsFuneral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.