On Thursday, October 30, 2025, God sent his angels to escort home his child, Dr. Anita Gordon Plaskett, who entered eternal rest surrounded by family in Yorktown, Virginia.

Born on November 1, 1949, in Bronx, New York to the late Patrick and Juliana Gordon, Anita spent her early years captivated by her parents' colorful stories of the people and daily life of St. Croix. When her family decided to return to their beloved island home in 1970, it marked the beginning of a joyful new chapter and sparked her deep, lifelong love for the Virgin Island community that would shape much of her life's work.

A proud native of New York, Dr. Plaskett graduated from Christ the King High School in 1967. She went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from St. John's University in 1969, followed by a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude, 1974) and a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Reading from the University of the Virgin Islands in 1978. Her pursuit of excellence in education continued at the University of Connecticut where she earned both her Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in 1983.

She devoted more than four decades to the field of education, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues. Her professional journey began in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she served as a substitute teacher and teacher trainee before becoming an elementary and remedial reading teacher. Her dedication and leadership led her to administrative roles, including Assistant Principal at Ricardo Richards School, Principal of Eulalie R. Rivera Professional Development School, and Insular Superintendent of Schools for St. Croix.

Dr. Plaskett's passion for education extended into higher learning as well. At the University of the Virgin Islands, she served as a tenured Assistant and Associate Professor of Education, Coordinator of the Teacher Education Division, and dissertation advisor to numerous aspiring scholars. Her expertise also extended beyond the Virgin Islands through her work as a consultant for the LAB at Brown University in Rhode Island, adjunct professor at Union Institute, and dissertation advisor for Walden University.

After relocating to Virginia, Dr. Plaskett continued her service to education as an administrator with Newport News Public Schools, where she served as a Program Administrator, Assistant Principal, and Assistant Principal of Instruction until her retirement in 2012. During this time, she also served as the founding President of the Board of Directors for Bridging the Gap Learning Center, further extending her commitment to creating educational opportunities and supporting student success.

She was not only an educator but also a lifelong servant leader dedicated to uplifting her community through her work in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and beyond. Inspired by her parents, Patrick and Juliana Gordon, who modeled service to others, she embraced the values of sisterhood and community involvement as a member of Mu Gamma Omega Chapter in the Virgin Islands. During her years of service, she held numerous leadership roles including Publicity Chairman, Financial Secretary, Assistant Graduate Advisor, Graduate Advisor, Membership Chairman, Vice President, and ultimately became the10th Chapter President. Under her leadership, the chapter earned regional recognition, and she played a key role in establishing Rho Xi Chapter at the University of the Virgin Islands, expanding opportunities for young women of service. Her leadership extended to the international level as well, where she was elected the International Region Representative on the International Nominating Committee from 2000–2002.

Her dedication to guiding and uplifting others was one of her greatest gifts. It is a light that permeates every aspect of her life and continues to shine through the many lives she touched. She later continued her commitment as a member and leader of Gamma Upsilon Omega Chapter in Hampton, Virginia, serving as Vice President, President, and Secretary of the Ivy Foundation of Hampton, Inc. Her legacy of faith, mentorship, and service will forever inspire all who knew her.

Precious memories will be cherished by her loving family: son, Osman Gordon (Laverne); daughter, Shakima Nesbitt (Lorne); grandson, Amir Nesbitt; great-granddaughter, Naomi Nesbitt; brother, Roderick Gordon (Anna); nieces, Cyndee Frontal (Luis); Khadija Rivera (Luis); Khalilah Gordon; Medina Roberts; nephews, Roderick Gordon, Jr.; Eugene Gordon; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Dr. Plaskett was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Juliana Gordon; and one niece, Karima Gordon.

Viewing

Thursday, November 13th, 2025

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. : O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony

Thursday, November 13th, 2025

6 p.m. : O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Friday, November 14th, 2025

11:00 a.m. : Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.