Paula Leeann Gordon, age 59, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
She was born on September 21, 1966, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Paul Childers and Helen (Davis) Childers. On April 23, 2008, Paula married Donald Wells Gordon Jr.
Paula devoted much of her life to her home and family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her family was an important part of her life.
Paula is survived by her husband, Donald Gordon Jr.; her father, Paul Childers; children, Derek Gordon, Lucy Mowry, Alex Mowry, David Gordon, Noah Gordon, and Courtney Gordon; grandchildren, Chandler, Collette, Alyssandra, and Vivienne; siblings, Kimberly Miller and husband Randy of Bardstown, Kentucky, Anthony Childers and wife Missy of Salem, Kellie Hines and husband Bill of Franklin, Georgia, and Robin Strobel of Brownstown; along with extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Childers; daughter, Brandi Mowry; sister, Ronda Childers; brother-in-law, Rod Strobel; and nephew, Eric Childers
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, with Rusty Courson officiating. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the family and will be received at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
