Ann Gordon Evans was presented the 2023 Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement at the Garden Club of Virginia Annual Meeting on May 17, hosted by the Winchester-Clarke Garden Club.
The oldest and most prestigious award given by the Garden Club of Virginia, it was inaugurated in 1928 by Susanne Williams Massie during her presidency and was given by her until her death in 1952. Since that time, it has been given by the club in her memory. This year, the medal’s inscription to Ann Gordon Evans reads: For her inspiring leadership, wise counsel and enduring grace.
A resident of Hampton, Ann Gordon has been a member of The Huntington Garden Club since 1986. Upon joining the club, her first assignment was as Historic Garden Week Ticket Sales Chairman. It became clear then that Ann Gordon possessed the leadership and organizational skills as well as the kind and gentle presence needed to get the job done well. She continued to serve The Huntington Garden Club in many positions—from treasurer and president to Garden Week chairman. It was while she was chairman of the Civic Project Committee that The Huntington Garden Club received the Common Wealth Award for the permanent botanical exhibit, Virginia Botanical History 1607 to Today, at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. During her time with the Civic Project Committee as well as service on the board, The Huntington Garden Club was grateful for her guiding hand on the St. John’s Church Cemetery Landscape Plan and the renovation project at Lee Hall Mansion, a GCV restoration site, which involved restoring period fencing and period trees on the property.
Ann Gordon served in offices of the Garden Club of Virginia, including Director-at-Large, Recording Secretary, Second Vice President, Parliamentarian, as well as Chairman of the Common Wealth Award Committee. She was also on the Outlook Committee and the Nomination Committee. She was President of the GCV from 2012-2014 and continued to be a leading force, establishing a Long-Range Planning Committee with a focus on plans for the GCV’s Centennial. As part of the 2020 Centennial plan, the GCV initiated a partnership with Virginia State Parks, providing $500,000 in grants over five years. Additionally, under her watch, the Conservation and Environmental Fellowship was established. Both projects support the GCV’s mission of beautification and conservation in Virginia. The Green Arrow Society for planned giving was also conceived under her presidency. She provided initial support and guidance for the newest member club, the Three Rivers Garden Club, based in New Kent and Charles City counties. Her tireless and intelligent leadership, welcoming and inclusive style, and dedication to the Garden Club of Virginia is an inspiration to all.
Pictured are Ann Gordon Evans with her family: husband Rusty, daughter Mary Katherine and son Russ.
