Loney Gordon facts for kids

Loney Clinton Gordon (1915–1999) was an amazing African-American chemist and researcher. She helped doctors Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering create the pertussis vaccine. This vaccine helps protect people from whooping cough.

Early Life and Learning

Loney Gordon was born in Arkansas in 1915. Her family moved to Michigan when she was a young child. In 1939, she earned a bachelor's degree. She studied home economics and chemistry at Michigan State College.

After college, Loney wanted to work as a dietitian. She found a job in Virginia. However, she was not treated well there. She then returned to Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was told it would be hard for her to find work as a dietitian.

Around 1944, Dr. Kendrick hired Loney. She joined the Michigan Department of Health's lab in Grand Rapids. Here, she began her important work on pertussis research.

Important Research Work

In the early 1940s, Loney Gordon did a lot of testing. She examined thousands of culture plates. She was looking for a strong culture. This strong culture was needed to make the pertussis vaccine.

Her work took place at Western Michigan Laboratories. This lab is now known as Kent Community Hospital. Loney focused on Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough. She studied how strong different types of this bacteria were.

Loney's careful analysis helped find a very powerful strain of the bacteria. This discovery was key. It allowed scientists to develop a truly effective vaccine against whooping cough.

The Michigan Biological Products Division started making the vaccine in 1938. By 1940, it was sent all over the United States. Loney Gordon is known for finding that sheep blood was important. It helped grow the bacteria cultures in the lab.

Being Recognized

In 1997, the Grand Rapids Public Library honored Loney Gordon. They had a special display about women who made a difference. Loney was featured in this display.

The Michigan House of Representatives also recognized her work. They passed Resolution No. 115. This resolution thanked Loney Gordon. It praised her for her contributions to health. Her work helped people in Michigan, the U.S., and the world.

In 2000, Loney Gordon was added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. This is a great honor.

Later Years and Passing

Loney Gordon worked for the Michigan Department of Health for many years. She started around 1956. She retired in 1978.

After World War II, Loney traveled to Europe and the Middle East. She went with the National Council of Christian and Jews. Her job was to understand how people felt in those areas.

Loney Gordon passed away in 1999.

Personal Life

Loney Clinton married Howard Gordon. They were married on June 23, 1956.