The other day 4SHOT Sports received news of the passing of Jennifer Gordon a student at Southwest Dekalb High School. It really sadden me because back in June of 2002 I wrote a piece on Sam Jones another SWD student who lost his life to soon.

On Sunday, May 9th, 2004 which was “Mothers Day”, Jennifer’s battle with stomach cancer ended her life here on earth. But how many of you know that absence from the body means to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7-8).  

I first met Jennifer in February of 2001 at the Dekalb County JV Basketball Championships were as a freshman she helped lead the “JV Lady Panthers” to a Championship win over Lakeside.

Over the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to watch her perform on the varsity level and each time Jennifer stepped on the court she always gave her best and I have no doubt that she lived her life the same way.

PSALM 30: 1-5 reads:

“I will extol You, O Lord, for you have lifted me up, and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

O, Lord my God, I cried out to you, and you healed me.

O, Lord, you brought my soul up from the grave; you have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of his and give thanks at the remembrance of his holy name.

For his anger is but a moment, his favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

So to all of Jennifer’s family and friends I say weep and be sadden by the loss of your daughter, sister, classmate and friend, but in the morning, yes in the morning rejoice in knowing that this “Lady Panther” is now in the presence of the Lord and is smiling down on you knowing how much you have graced her life as much as she has yours.

Due to graduate on May 22, 2004 with the rest of her senior classmates at Southwest Dekalb High School, Jennifer graduated a little earlier … to Heaven, where she will complete her studies as one of God’s angels. Jennifer was laid to rest in her cap and gown on Thursday, May 13th, 2004.

To Jennifer, 4SHOT Sports says "Farewell, until we meet again" and to her surviving family: parents Gail and Ralph Gordon, sisters and brothers Sonya, Robyne, Jenese and Ralph our condolences and prayers go out to you.

Larry Williams

CEO & Founder of 4SHOT Sports