Laura Omega Prine Gordon, 1922-2023

Laura Omega Prine Gordon died Friday afternoon, September 1, 2023, while in residence at Edgewood Nursing Home in Byram, MS. She was 100 years old.

Born on November 27, 1922, Omega grew up in Leakesville, MS, the daughter of Lawrence Elijah and Lily Belle Prine. Immediately following graduation from Leakesville High School, Omega began coursework for a degree in nursing. She successfully completed her certification as a Registered Nurse and added specialized training in Boston, MA, for Ear, Nose and Throat. Near the close of WWII, Omega began work for an ENT specialist in Vicksburg, MS. Her nursing career spanned over 40 years and included work in the first Coronary Care Unit (St. Dominic’s in Jackson), private duty, and finally Industrial nursing. She also was an active member of the MS Nurses Association and served as President of that organization.

Omega met and married Charles Bobb Gordon in Vicksburg. They moved to Jackson, MS, in the late 50’s then returned to Vicksburg in 1966 where both worked for Marathon-LeTourneau until their retirement. After 40 years of marriage, her husband Charles died in 1990. She stayed in Vicksburg a few years then moved to Clinton, MS. In 2012 Omega moved to Riggs Manor assisted living facility in Raymond and finally to Edgewood Nursing in 2018. She is survived by her three children, Charlotte Holmes (Larry T. Holmes, spouse), Larry Gordon (Dorothy King Gordon, spouse) and Jeff Gordon, her granddaughter Jennifer Gordon Skiver and grandson Matthew Gordon and their families which includes four great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Omega’s overarching passion was one of service to others. Whether hand-writing dozens of letters a week to shut-ins and struggling friends, knitting miniature blankets paired with small stuffed bears for use by the MS Highway Patrol in caring for abandoned children, or sharing her faith with everyone she met, Omega lived the Gospel message. This desire to serve others also led Omega to her passion and gift for teaching. She taught adult Sunday School well into her eighties. She prepared each weekly lesson by pouring over commentaries and different translations of scripture until she could give the lesson without her notes. Her name appears over the door of one of the adult classrooms at Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton.

Omega loved and cared for her family every step of her journey. She always made time for each family member even while working as a full-time nurse, preparing meals and keeping the house in order. She was an outstanding cook, seamstress and master of giant jigsaw puzzles. Omega ‘adopted’ her children’s friends and cared for them as her own. Her nicknames included ‘Doc’, ‘Granny Doc’, Granny Goose, and ‘Red’ (for her deep auburn hair).

After a 33-year wait, Omega will be laid to rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery beside her husband Charles on September 6, 2023. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 6 from 9 am until 11 am with services at 11 am at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue with the Rev. Ken Anderson officiating.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the staff at Edgewood Health and Rehab and Pax Hospice who so lovingly served Omega and treated her with incredible care and untiring attention.