Avel Gordly Obituary (1947-2026) · Portland, Oregon, United States ·...

American politician, activist, and educator

Avel Louise Gordly, a trailblazing American politician, dedicated activist, and esteemed educator, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 79 in Portland, Oregon. Born in Portland on February 13, 1947, Gordly dedicated her life to public service, advocating tirelessly for social justice, civil rights, and the betterment of her community. Her remarkable career was marked by numerous historic achievements and a profound commitment to equity.

Gordly made history in 1996 when she became the first African-American woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, where she served with distinction until 2009. Prior to her time in the Senate, she was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1991, serving three terms. Throughout her legislative tenure, Senator Gordly championed critical issues, including education reform, mental health services, and criminal justice. She was instrumental in leading efforts to remove the state's discriminatory Black exclusion laws from Oregon's constitution in 1999 and sponsored legislation in 2001 to officially recognize Juneteenth in Oregon.

Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Gordly was a formidable community organizer and activist. Her early career included impactful roles with the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Urban League of Portland, and the American Friends Service Committee, where she actively participated in anti-apartheid campaigns. Her advocacy for mental health led to the establishment of the Avel Gordly Center for Healing at Oregon Health & Science University in 2008, a facility dedicated to providing culturally sensitive mental health services to underserved populations.

After retiring from the legislature, Gordly continued her commitment to education as an associate professor in the Black Studies Department at Portland State University, her alma mater. She co-authored her memoir, "Remembering the Power of Words," in 2011, offering insights into her life and struggles, including her candid discussions about depression. Her enduring legacy was further recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Portland State University in 2017, and the City of Portland proclaimed March 30, 2022, as "Avel Louise Gordly Day" in her honor.

Avel Louise Gordly's life was a testament to perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to justice. Her pioneering spirit and tireless work have left an indelible mark on Oregon's political landscape and the lives of countless individuals. She will be remembered as a visionary leader who consistently fought for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Those who wish to honor Avel's memory are invited to .

Memorial created on February 17, 2026. Last updated on March 29, 2026.Curated by the MemoriTree editorial team ·

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Jon C·Feb 19

Avel, thank you. Fayetta. Michelle, I am thinking of you. And Avel. Many many thoughts, her constant in-motion work with the AFSC, in the House, Senate. workshops, in the community, in the District(s). I remember what Avel told the State Treasurer, divestiture from Sudan, where genocide was taking place, + Chinese and French oil companies were operating: four words: Avel Credo: "...do the right thing." And the conversation with the State Treasurer stopped. And the 2005 Oregon Senate overwhelming passed legislation opposing genocide in Sudan and violations of basic human rights, Avel quoting on the Senate Floor provisions from the legislation and of the Oregon Constitution on the natural rights of every human being. Faye, good to see you. My prayers are with you and your family. Jon

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Jim Paynter·Feb 17

Avel and I are the same age, and our careers intersected throughout her tenure in the Oregon Legislature. I was the Executive Director of a non-profit organization in Portland, the Hollywood Senior Center, which Avel visited on several occasions as the organization received some State funding to provide services through Oregon Project Independence. Every time Avel visited, she engaged me as though I were a personal friend. She would embrace me with a hug, look me in the eye and genuinely inquire as to how I was doing. She conveyed her sincere empathy and concern for the challenges that confronted my position. Her actions clearly communicated that we were peers, team members working together to make a difference. With Avel, ego was never part of her persona. She was selfless. She was all about service to her community and caring for the most vulnerable citizens. She held to the highest ethical standards for elected officials. Avel was trustworthy. She was loving. Through her efforts, leadership and contributions Avel left her broad community of the State of Oregon a far better place than she found it.

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Jon CFeb 19

Avel, thank you. Fayetta. Michelle, I am thinking of you. And Avel. Many many thoughts, her constant in-motion work with the AFSC, in the House, Senate. workshops, in the community, in the District(s). I remember what Avel told the State Treasurer, divestiture from Sudan, where genocide was taking place, + Chinese and French oil companies were operating: four words: Avel Credo: "...do the right thing." And the conversation with the State Treasurer stopped. And the 2005 Oregon Senate overwhelming passed legislation opposing genocide in Sudan and violations of basic human rights, Avel quoting on the Senate Floor provisions from the legislation and of the Oregon Constitution on the natural rights of every human being. Faye, good to see you. My prayers are with you and your family. Jon

J

Jim PaynterFeb 17

Avel and I are the same age, and our careers intersected throughout her tenure in the Oregon Legislature. I was the Executive Director of a non-profit organization in Portland, the Hollywood Senior Center, which Avel visited on several occasions as the organization received some State funding to provide services through Oregon Project Independence. Every time Avel visited, she engaged me as though I were a personal friend. She would embrace me with a hug, look me in the eye and genuinely inquire as to how I was doing. She conveyed her sincere empathy and concern for the challenges that confronted my position. Her actions clearly communicated that we were peers, team members working together to make a difference. With Avel, ego was never part of her persona. She was selfless. She was all about service to her community and caring for the most vulnerable citizens. She held to the highest ethical standards for elected officials. Avel was trustworthy. She was loving. Through her efforts, leadership and contributions Avel left her broad community of the State of Oregon a far better place than she found it.

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Avel Louise Gordly

American politician, activist, and educator

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