Ollie Hoque

Letter from Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, we’re not far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

Ollie Mae Hoque was born to her parents, Josephine and I.T. Trotter on September 27, 1933 in Bolton, Mississippi. She was raised with her 5 brothers and 6 sisters. Growing up in Bolton at that time required special accommodations since it was a rural area. One of her auntie’s was a school teacher and therefore taught all of her siblings through middle school. As children, Ollie and her siblings picked cotton. It was known that she wanted to be the “water girl”. From an early age, she became very honest and forthright. Her sisters recall a time in which they put on their mothers hat and shoes and went outside while she was at the store shopping. As soon as their mother returned, she immediately told her what had taken place.

Around the age of 16, she met her soon to be husband, Robert L. Gordon who worked at a nearby gas station in Bolton. After getting to know each other, Robert asked Ollie’s father for her hand in marriage. They were married in January of 1950 and moved to Denver, Colorado. To this union, Robert L. Gordon, Jr., James Sherman Gordon, Courtney Oliver Gordon, Gregory Bruce Gordon and Nina Marie Gordon were born.

Few knew that in the 1960’s Ollie gained employment working for Mrs. Grandberry, this later became Pipkin Mortuary.

Ollie lived in Denver until 1970, she then decided to move to California where her brothers lived. Within a short duration of time, she purchased a home and was subsequently remarried to Anthony Hoque. During her time in Long Beach, California, she worked for the Navy Hospital as a Nursing Assistant. She later started a Day Care in her home. There was always a passion for children, she later worked as a Teacher’s Aide at an elementary school in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ollie was awarded with a Certificate of Recognition by the Iowa House of Representatives; for her civic volunteer work in the community. She would often joke that she was the reason Obama was elected in Iowa.

In the early 1990’s, Ollie returned back to Denver to be close to her family. She purchased a townhome at this time. She continued her love of cooking, preparing meals at family functions. The only time she did not cook for her family was if it was her birthday! That was her special day and her family learned to respect this.

In the early 2000’s, Ollie decided to move to Fort Dodge, Iowa where her second oldest sister, Bessie and her brother, Butler lived. She and her brother purchased a home together which had been recently built in the same lot that her father and mother had lived. Here, Ollie became a member of the Missionary Followers of Jesus Christ Church. Being that Ollie’s sister was a minister, they strengthened their relationship as followers of Christ.

In completion of her life’s journey, Ollie returned to Denver in 2017 and lived with her oldest son. The love of family continued with birthday celebrations and gatherings that she enjoyed.

To know Ollie was to love her, she had a sense of humor that would catch you off guard if you didn’t listen closely. When in conversation, she would look at you as if to say, what took you so long? If you didn’t catch on that she was joking. Ollie was a very classy lady who always dressed the part. She was also not shy to pay you a compliment. If you were dressed to the T, she would surely let you know. Most notably, her mere presence and spirit would overwhelm you.

In her free time, Ollie enjoyed going to sporting events to watch her grandsons participate in football and baseball games. She made it a point to keep the pictures of one of her grandsons that made the major leagues in baseball. She also enjoyed relaxing, watching gospel shows on sunday and listening to her blues songs. Her favorite musician was Bobby Blueband.

Ollie was blessed to complete a full circle of life. She was the last surviving sibling in her family. She did it her way and wanted to ensure that her life journey was complete as well. She was an exceptional person who will truly be missed.

She is preceded in death by James S. Gordon, Nina M. McDonald, and Robert L. Gordon, Sr.

God prepared a place for her with him on February 7, 2023, she was 89 years old. Although we are saddened with her departure, we rejoice in her home going and know that she is in the arms of the Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Robert L. Gordon, Jr., Courtney O. Gordon and Gregory B. Gordon; 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tribute from the Children

You can only have one mother, patient kind and true; No other friend in all the world will

be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you, to mother you will turn for all her loving kindness, she

asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message, to our dear mother up above; tell her how we miss her, and give her all our Love.

Tribute to Grandma

Her arms are always open wide to welcome you with love.

Her smile is brighter than the stars that sparkle high above. She listens without judgement. She takes the time to share- God, bless this dear Grandma and hold her in your care.