Mrs. Doretha Caddelle Jordon

In the stillness of the night on Monday, November 2, 2020, God granted rest from her labors and the reward of eternity with Him. Doretha C. Jordon was born on August 2, 1944, the third oldest of twelve children, to Spencer Wilder, Sr. and Lucille Eugene Robinson Wilder, in Aliceville, Alabama. Along with her siblings, Doretha learned the jewels of life from their loving parents and memorable visits to their grandparents’ farm in Prairie Point, Mississippi. Doretha cherished the lessons of responsibility, obedience, care, and love Charlie and Hester Robinson (Daddy and Grand MuDear) taught through her farm tasks. These lessons provided the foundion for Doretha’s allegiance to God, thirst for excellence in her studies, resolve for decency, commitment to family, and emphy for others. Doretha was a prolific writer, an avid reader, and a noted oror, winning every ororical contest she ever entered. She played both 1st clarinet and flute in her high school and marching band. She knew wh she wanted and was tenacious about achieving her goals. the same time (much to her siblings’ chagrin), she always found a way to get out of doing things she preferred not to do – especially fieldwork. As a mother, she was gentle and consoling, yet firm. As a wife, she was loving and supportive. She knew no stranger and gracefully entered every room with class, wit, a warm smile, infectious laugh, impeccable fashion, and deep compassion for those around her, young and old. Doretha earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Delaware Ste University in 1968. An honor student, Doretha was a member of the Debe Team, Drama Guild, College Choir, Wesley Foundion, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. After college, she remained active as a Zeta, serving her chapter, Alpha Epsilon Zeta, in Kansas City, Kansas, receiving numerous acknowledgments and awards for her service. Her sorority sisters refer to her as the epitome of finer womanhood. In the summer of 1967, Doretha was one of 70 students selected to participe in the Intensive Summer Studies Program Yale University, where she studied English Literure. In 1968, Doretha was also chosen to present a lecture in the Distinguished English Lecture Series Delaware Ste entitled, “Wordsworth and Coleridge and the Romantic Spirit.” On May 10, 1968, Delaware Ste, Doretha was selected to give the Dedicion Address for the new student center to be named after the le Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She shared the stage with Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr. of Delaware and other dignitaries. Sadly, Doretha did not deliver her speech due to a student protest during the ceremony. Her address is among the archives for th memorable day in the school’s history. Her words document an emphasis on loyalty, encouraging each other, and never giving up. After graduing from Delaware Ste, Doretha met her husband, Samuel Franklin Jordon, Sr. in Kansas City, Kansas, while living with her aunt’s family in the area. On June 21, 1969, the two married Ward Chapel AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri. They were blessed with four children: Samuel Jr., Tamara, David, and Zaneta. Following a three-week honeymoon with her husband to Rome, Paris, and London, Doretha pursued a successful career as a high school educor. Her skillful teaching secured her placement in classrooms in Kansas and Missouri: Paseo High School (Kansas City, Missouri), Southeast High School (Kansas City, Missouri), Wyandotte High School (Kansas City, Kansas), and F.L. Schlagle High School (Kansas City, Kansas). She ler pursued another successful career as editor of two stewide African-American newspapers, The Kansas Ste Globe and The Missouri Ste Post, and a nionwide magazine titled Family. Her more than 30 years as editor allowed her to serve the community and inspire others, alongside her husband, the newspapers’ publisher. Doretha received numerous recognitions and awards for her leadership and outstanding service. Doretha devoted her gifts and talents to the church, faithfully serving Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (Knob Noster, Missouri) with her family early in her marriage. She ler served Eighth Street Baptist Church (Kansas City, Kansas), then Friendship Baptist Church (Kansas City, Missouri). Doretha served as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and coordinor of numerous programs and ministries, recently adding the role of editor of Friendship’s magazine, The Voice, before taking ill. She mentored many aspiring to be obedient to God’s call, modeling service, not selfishness. Doretha served on the Board of Directors of Ambassadors for Peace & Educion for many years. On her last birthday, August 2, 2020, the Board celebred her as an honorary member. Her children were appointed as her champions, fulfilling her dedicion to educion. Doretha is preceded in deh by her parents, Spencer, Sr. and Lucille Wilder; and brothers Lee Pantrell (deceased birth) and Harold Octavius Wilder. Doretha leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 51 years, Samuel Franklin Jordon, Sr.; her children Samuel Franklin Jordon Jr. (Tailese), Tamara Ruth Jordon Love (Jawwad), David Mark Jordon (Tisha), and Zaneta Margaret Jordon Boles (Prentis); and her grandchildren Alexandria, Elisha, Andrew, Moriah, Sydney, Landon-David, Lauryn, and Xavier. Doretha also leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings Gwynelle Wilder Miller (Sherman), Spencer Wilder, Jr. (Marsha), Margaret Johnetta Wilder Wson (James), Bessie Elizabeth Wilder Grayson (Robert), Jacqueline Wilder Ryder, Peggy Ruth Wilder Abbott (Greg), Robert Wilson Wilder (Diane), Lucille Joanne Wilder Phillips (Willie), and Felicia Ann Wilder; many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, church family, and friends.