Obituary of Irene Patricia Jordan

A Life Well Lived Irene Patricia Tillery Jordan was born on April 5, 1950, in Suffolk, Virginia, the eighth of fourteen children from the union of Amos and Irene Tillery, Sr. The love from and for her family cultivated within her a love for others, and a heart for serving others, laying the foundation for what would be an impactful life. Irene attended Booker T. Washington High School, where she excelled athletically, playing the forward position on her school's basketball team. She was a top scorer and helped propel her team to a victorious undefeated season. Because of her talent on the court, Irene was popular in school and well-known in her community. In addition to playing basketball, Irene was a cheerleader, and it was during this time that she caught the attention of an admirer, Jimmie Jordan, who was drawn to her natural beauty, athleticism, and magnetic personality. Jimmie and Irene formally met at the Lovely Hour Inn in Suffolk, eventually moved to Baltimore, and married on February 1, 1971. From this 51-year union, two daughters were born: Vonda and Mia. Irene loved her daughters dearly, but her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She shared a special bond with her first-born grandchild Bria, who could do no wrong in her sight. Irene often picked Bria up from school and took her to her favorite fast-food restaurant. This was their daily ritual, and it helped to strengthen the bond they both cherished. When Jackson was born, Irene was excited to welcome her first grandson to the family. The addition of Jordan and James intensified her joy as a grandmother. Her love only grew, as she was blessed to meet and hold her first great-grandchild Blair before the Lord called her home. Irene's love for her husband, children, and grandchildren was evident to all who knew her and will continue to dwell deeply in their hearts. Irene's dedication and devotion to her family was an integral part of her life and was encouraged by her grandmother, Flossie Burnette, who was the family's spiritual inspiration. Irene's formative years were carefully nurtured and guided by her parents, who left an indelible mark in her life and provided the example of what it means to be a family. She was a faithful daughter, known to travel to Suffolk regularly to visit and care for her parents, reciprocating the love and care shown to her as a child. Irene exemplified the word "sister" and the love she had for her siblings was unparalleled. Over the years, she experienced great loss, as ten of her thirteen siblings preceded her in death. These devastating events undoubtedly took an emotional toll on Irene, but the love and support she provided for her family was unwavering. Despite her significant losses, she remained resilient and resolute, never ceasing to be a source of strength to her remaining siblings, Lovoil, Tonya, and Milton, whom she loved immensely. Irene's influence extended far beyond her family. For over 34 years, she and Jimmie resided in the 900 block of McDonough Street in East Baltimore, where they raised their daughters and made positive contributions to the community. She made her presence in the community felt by routinely sweeping her street and lending a helping hand to neighbors in need. Irene was a beacon of light in her community because she treated everyone with respect, irrespective of their economic status or position in life. Building on the spiritual foundation established by her grandmother Flossie Burnette, Irene joined the nearby United Baptist Church in the late 70s, where she served on the New Members Ministry under the leadership of Dr. George E. Vanderford. Serving others was her calling, and she served faithfully in and out of the church until she no longer could. Aside from service to others, Irene had several hobbies that enriched her life. One of her favorite things to do was cook for her family and friends. Irene LOVED to cook and COULD cook! Whenever she visited friends, she took food with her and always prepared a carload of food to take to her family in Suffolk. Feeding people was another way for her to care for people. Every meal was a labor of love and a testament to her selfless devotion to serving others. Bowling was another activity that she enjoyed and was even more enjoyable because she and Jimmie did it together. She was an avid Ravens fan and did not play about her football pools! Irene enjoyed her life and knew how to have a good time. Professionally, Irene's work experience was diverse. Her first job was at Becton and Dickerson, a medical supplies company. She went on to work at Western Electric until the company relocated. For over fifteen years, she was a supervisor at Hochschild Kohn's department store before moving on to Burlington Coat Factory, where she worked in the receiving department for ten years. Irene retired from Giant Food after over twenty years of service. She worked diligently for over thirty-five years without neglecting her most important priority, her family. Many special relationships were formed during Irene's life. Most notable are: her aunt and uncle Peggy and Joe Jordan, who assisted Jimmie in providing consistent care and preparing daily meals for Irene from the beginning of her illness to the very end, three devoted cousins: Laverne Griffin, Kim Horsey, and Diwan Paskins, Pastor Deborah Dallas, and Elder Robert Dallas, special friends whom Irene adored and admired, supportive neighbors Roger and Wendy Edwards, and three very devoted, committed, close friends, Vernell Ward, Frances "Peach" Barbour, and Linda Hazlegrove, all of whom were always there for Irene and were steadfast in their expressions of love and support before and during her illness. Irene was escorted into heaven by God's angels on November 4, 2022, after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Irene Tillery Sr., seven brothers: Thomas Lee, Amos Jr., Richard, Lee Otis, Donald, Larry, and Billy Earl Briggs, three sisters: Joanne, Faye, and Margaret. She leaves to cherish her life and memory: her devoted, loving husband and caretaker: Jimmie, two daughters: Vonda and Mia, four grandchildren: Bria and Jordan Maness, Jackson, Jordan, and James, one great-grandchild: Blair, one sister: Tonya, two brothers: Lovoil and Milton, two sons-in law: Keith Carter and James Vick, Jr. , five sisters-in-law: Louise, Mary, Rose, Kim and Rory Tillery, two brothers-in-law: Charles Jordan and Johnny Ricks, aunts: Sylvia Battle and Peggy Jordan, one uncle: Joe Jordan, nieces: Faye, Lisa, Andrea, Nyya, Vantisha, Tisha, Kim, Tara, Raina, Sharon, Megan, Missy, Towanda, Donna, Ava, and Krystle, nephews: Donnie, Kelvin, De'Monte, Darius, Keon, Damon, Eugene, Kenard, Richard Jr., Calvin, Darry, Tony, Antoine, Antonio, Billy, Jr., Bacari, Barry, Ronnie, Michael, Carise, and Freddie Jr., and a host of relatives, and friends. Irene's radiant smile and generous spirit will be missed. Let this be a day of remembrance and celebration for a life well-lived and a woman well-loved. She shall wear a crown throughout eternity as she rests in the presence of the Lord. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8) The family of Irene Patricia Tillery Jordan would like to thank everyone for their kind expressions of love during this difficult time. Special thanks to Mrs. Doreen Nevers Jarrett for the compassionate care she showed to Irene over the past 7 years, Ms. Sonia Holder for her love and care to Irene, Frances Barbour (Peach) for always making herself available to assist with the care of Irene. Thank you to her special neighbors, Pastor Deborah Dallas, Elder Robert Dallas and Roger and Wendy Edwards. On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 2022, services for Mrs. Jordan will be held at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 4905 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:00PM with services to follow. The interment will take place on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, Virginia 23434. Irene Patricia Jordan, age 72, of Baltimore, transitioned Friday, November 4, 2022 in Baltimore. Mrs. Jordan was born in Suffolk, Virginia on April 5, 1950.