Anna Gordy Gaye, sister of Berry and ex-wife of Marvin, dies at 92

(January 31, 2014) Anna Gordy Gaye, the eldest sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. and the ex-wife of Marvin Gaye, has died at age 92. Gaye was known as the co-founder of Anna record label, a predecessor to Motown. Years later, in 1978, after her divorce from Gaye, she was the subject of his bitter post-divorce album, Here, My Dear.

Anna Gordy worked at Motown during its ascent, helping to create the Artist Development group within the label, assisting the development of the talented but raw teenagers who became the label’s stars. She also wrote or co-wrote several hits for the label, including the biggest hits of the group The Originals, “The Bells” and “Baby I’m For Real.”

Universal Music, which now owns the Motown label, issued the following statement:

The family of Anna Gordy Gaye has announced her passing. The sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy and former wife of the late Marvin Gaye, Ms. Gaye transitioned early this morning surrounded by her loving son Marvin Gaye III and other family members. Arrangements for Ms. Gaye will be announced shortly. In the meantime, the family is requesting privacy. She will be deeply missed.

Anna Gordy Gaye played an integral role in one of the greatest American music stories of all time, and her legacy is assured. May she rest in peace.

By Chris Rizik

Funeral Details:

The family of ANNA GORDY GAYE, sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, has 
announced that her funeral services will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in memory of Anna Gordy Gaye to: The Gordy Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization to support educational scholarships for inner-city youth. 

Gordy Foundation, Inc.
2656 West Grand Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48208 

The family deeply appreciates all expressions of condolence that have been shared. 

Friends and family are encouraged to leave personal reflections at:  
https://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/annagordygaye/homepage.aspx

Here is other reaction that was sent to us by the Motown Alumni Association:

My sister Anna was the glamour girl of the family. She was beautiful, sexy, playful, lovely. Men loved her but she lived for her family, especially her younger brothers of which, I was lucky enough to be one.

She backed me up on everything I tried to do and gave me the confidence to be what I wanted to be.

She gave me all the love that a sister could give a brother.

When I first came to California as a teenage boxer, Anna lived there and I knew I would have a place to call home.

I will miss her so dearly. What I’m grateful for most was that she lived to see me reach my goals and shared them all with me in happiness and joy.

Berry Gordy, Founder, Motown

It is with great sadness learning of the passing of Anna Gordy Gaye. My heart goes’ out to the family at this time.

My deepest condolences to Berry and all of the family.

With Love,
Freda Payne

Anna Gordy Gaye was a lifelong friend and a mentor. I will miss her greatly. My heartfelt condolences to Berry and her family.

With love,
Lamont Dozier

It is with a heavy heart that I say good bye to one of God’s angels, Anna Gordy Gaye. My prayers are dedicated to Berry and his family.

With Love,