By Sharon Mager
Kenneth (Ken) Wayne Jordan died on September 6. He pastored churches in Mississippi and Alabama and ministered as interim pastor of several churches in Maryland/Delaware. Jordan also served as a Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware family enrichment, deacon, and ministry consultant, and served with the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay) as a marriage enrichment consultant. He was known as a humble, gentle, man of faith.
BCM/D Church Services Consultant Ellen Udovich said Jordan was a kind, wise and insightful person with a mischievous sense of humor “He was devoted to his own family and a tireless advocate for all “families” in the church, not just the classic “two perfect parents with two perfect children,” she said.
John Gauger, who also serves as a BCM/D church services consultant, said, “Ken was a gentle, friendly brother in Christ. He was quick to listen and eager to help. I recall he had a deep commitment to the family. He was always ready to help.”
“He had a gracious spirit,” said Carol Moore, an assistant to former BCM/D Executive Director David Lee. “He worked very hard to encourage the support staff and provide special events for them.
“His quiet, caring demeanor spoke volumes. When I think of Ken, (the Bible passage) 1 Timothy 2:2 comes to mind, ‘…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior . . .(NIV)’ I feel sure Ken was a man who pleased God,” Moore said.
Carol Batson served as Jordan’s ministry assistant. Batson said, “He was a very kind and caring man. It was a privilege to work for him.”
“He treated everyone with kindness and respect,” said Gail Noda, who also served as one of Jordan’s assistants.
BCM/D Women’s Ministry Consultant Melody Knox also served as an assistant to Jordan. “There was not a more kind and godly man than Ken Jordan. I only worked for Ken for a short time, but I learned to respect him for his caring and compassionate heart for others in the midst of his own physical struggles. I know that Ken is ‘safely home’ with our Lord. I look forward to seeing him again.”
Jordan was preceded in death by his parents, William Walter and Florence Opal Jordan, and his sisters, Carolyn Pepper and Beth Cartwright.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Watson Jordan; son, Jeffrey Wayne Jordan (Jamie); daughter, Jennifer Leigh Jordan Deaver (Anthony); grandchildren, Tyler Deaver, Alex Deaver, Ryleigh Deaver, Campbell Jordan, Cooper Jordan, and Collier Jordan; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Virgil and Gail Watson, Shelby and Brinda Watson, Shirley Turner, Linda and Ronald Carter, and Virginia and Ron Hornbeck; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved family members.
A funeral was held on Sept. 14 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, in Hoover. Alabama with the Rev. Michael Vaughn officiating.