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Wilbert Jordan Obituary

A native of Clarksdale, Miss. and resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, he died March 14, 2013. Visiting at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 8 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Dr. Mary Moss and Very Rev. Edward Chiffriller. Interment in Southern Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Guillory Jordan; mother, Mildred Ward Jordan; sons, W. Wydell Jordan of Hattiesburg, Miss., Laten V. (Keyaunna) Jordan of Columbus, Ohio, W. Frazier Jordan III of Baton Rouge, La., Taylor M. Jordan of Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren, Malashia, Makeyah, Iemanni and Laten Jordan, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; Nehemiah, Keyunah, A.J. Allen and Kamryn Jordan of Hattiesburg, Miss. Preceded in death by his father, Wilbert F. Jordan, Sr. Mr. Jordan was an enthusiastic fisherman who enjoyed the catch as well as the cooking and sharing. He enjoyed life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Upon graduating as Valedictorian from Riverview High School in Waynesboro, Miss., he entered the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in 1968 on both music and athletic scholarships. Will was the first African-American to participate in any intercollegiate sport in Mississippi at a previously segregated university. He was a basketball letterman at USM in Hattiesburg. He earned both a Bachelor and Master Degree in Biology from USM, and in 1984, earned a Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University. Will's professional career began in lake Charles, Louisiana, where he worked as an Environmentalist for Olin Corporation. He later joined Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as a Corporate Industrial Hygienist. Will pursued a second career that included earning a law degree, and immediately opened his private practice with law partner, Anthony Bertucci. Subsequently, he pursued his interest in public service and worked in the State, city, and parish an as Assistant Attorney General, Assistant District Attorney, Assistant City Prosecutor and Assistant Parish Attorney. He also served as Judge pro tempore in Baton Rouge City Court. From 2004 to 2008, he was Assistant Secretary, Office of Environmental Assessment, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Shortly afterwards, he returned to work as Assistant City Prosecutor, where he remained until retirement in 2010. His professional credentials also included a Registered Environmental Manager and a Certified Environmental Auditor. Will was on the Board of Directors of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials for EPA's Region 6, and a member of the Louisiana State Bar and Mississippi State Bar Associations. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of LA, or The Louisiana Lupus Foundation.

Published by The Advocate from Mar. 20 to Mar. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wilbert Jordan

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Hi Wilbert Jr, time flies by so quickly and it’s not easy to forget the fun days we had in high school. You left us way too soon but God had another plan for you. We will always miss and love you.
Leona White

Lona White

Friend

March 9, 2024

Mr. Jordan my classmate of 1968, gone but will never be forgotten.
Leona White

Leona White

School

March 9, 2023

I hadn´t spoken with you in many years and was going to reach out. I just found out. I´m so sorry!

Sherry

Friend

October 28, 2022

Prayers out to your family continues and may you R.P.I we all miss you.

Leona White

Friend

March 9, 2022

Classmate you will always be missed but never forgotten. RIP

Leona White

Classmate

March 10, 2021

Another great role model!

JEFFERY HODGE

March 28, 2013

To Mrs. Jordan, Frazier and the rest of the family. The meeting of your family and visitng with you guys the two times we visited Baton Rouge was a high point of our vacation. Wil and all of you treated us as if we was close family. We will miss him on our return visits to Baton Rouge. May the love of God continue to be your strength.

Otis Newkirk

March 28, 2013

To the Jordan Family,

May the God of all comfort be with you in your time of loss.

We have never met, yet we are connected. My father, Eddie Vaughn, and Wilbert Jordan, Sr. were colleagues in the 1960s. Though at different times, both of our families lived in Clarksdale, MS. Wilbert Jr. and I met briefly as boys. The men in the agriculture community stayed in touch with each other and supported each other. They shared their families with each other.

Edward Vaughn

March 26, 2013

Wilbert will be missed, he was a really good friend to me and always spoke highly of his family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

Charles Armstrong

March 26, 2013

Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With Your Family

Judge Ron and Mrs Troye Ware

March 25, 2013

Sorry for your loss. The family has my deepest sympathy.

Diana Reeder

March 25, 2013

Tom Withers, III

March 25, 2013

Dear Ruby,
Even though we've just become friends, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. You are blessed to have some many people who love you and who loved your husband. Wilbert will forever live in your heart. Peace & Grace to you and yours...

Leandris Liburd

March 25, 2013

Ms Mildred,

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. You and Mr. Wilbert did a great job raising him. I love you. Your reading partner, Annie Woodson

annie woodson

March 25, 2013

Taylor,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Jennifer Coleman

March 24, 2013

Charles (c.c.) Collins

March 24, 2013

To Ruby and the Jordan Family.
My deepest sympathy to you at this time. Wilbert was the first person I met while attending USM. I count him as a dear friend and we will all will miss him dearly.

Charles Collins (C.C.)

March 24, 2013

May God Bless the family. I entered USM after Wilbert, and he was someone I always looked up to. May he rest in peace.

March 24, 2013

Ruby,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Michael and Cindy Madere

Michael Madere

March 23, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandra Moses-Adams

March 23, 2013

March 23, 2013
Mrs. Jordan, you are in my prayers and heart as you grieve the loss of your son.
I am a former student from Riverview High. Mary F. Slay- Nelums, Jackson, MS

March 23, 2013

Mrs. Jordan you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Wilbert Jr. I am a former student of yours at Riverview High Yr 1963. May God be with you....

Willie Jane Gandy/Garner

March 23, 2013

Aunt Ruby
I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Wil was such a kind person and always smiling. I hope your loving memories will give you comfort.

With love
La Malta

La Malta

March 23, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Charles Hansberry

March 23, 2013

To Ruby and Family:
I am sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that I will be praying for strength, peace, and comfort for you all.

Antoinette Bienemy-Pierre

March 23, 2013

To the Jordan & Guillory families in deepest sympathies. May your Hearts find healing in cherished memories. We knew of Mr Jordan thru our grandson Aiden and his mom Amanda Guillory. We are sorry for your loss. May God be with you.

Philtherian Haynes

March 23, 2013

The Jordan family will be in my prayers!!!!!

Mechelle Brown

March 23, 2013

To the Jordan Family, My deepest sympathy and prayers lifting you up for strength on this very difficult day! Wilbert has been a friend of my parents for many years and has shared stories of his family for many years! You have our gratitude to have known him. DeeDee, Loretta, and Arthur

Demetra Turner

March 23, 2013

Ruby, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bessie Mitchell

March 23, 2013

May his legacy live on through his wonderful family and friends...to my friend, mentor, buddy, teacher and colleague, may you rest in peace and look over us!!! Love you WJ now and always!!

stephen sterling III and Sterling family

March 23, 2013

Ruby,
May the peace of Christ be with you and your family.

Brenda Brent Williams

March 23, 2013

Jordan Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. My husband, Michael, and I were benefactors of Will's legacy at the University of Southern Mississippi. Will was always a gentleman and always in character. He had a ready smile and made everyone around him smile, as well. He was so proud of his family-- his beautiful wife, his sons, his grandchildren and his parents.

May God give you grace, peace and favor to cherish the many memories you shared with this remarkable and accomplished man.

Alfreda Tillman Bester

March 23, 2013

Mrs jordan sorry for your lost did not know your husband bit heard from a friend close to you marian thomas about your lost my prayer are with you and family

jackie morris

March 22, 2013

In Friendship and Caring At a time like this,friends want to share the sorrow that you feel And let you know their caring is warm and real... And so,whatever help and comfort friendship now can be, It's yours today with warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy.

Phyllis Jordan Wolfe

March 22, 2013

My heart is heavy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ruby, the boys, and Aunt Mildred. Wilbert was a wonderful cousin (and big brother). He will be missed by all.

Robin Dunkins

March 22, 2013

To The Jordan Family
May GOD be your refuge and strength. He will comfort during times like these. GOD Bless!
Oliver Charles Hainey, Lombard, Illinois

March 22, 2013

i pray that GOD'S love will sustain you at this difficult time.Remember to hold to GOD'S unchanging hand.

MARILYN COMBS

March 22, 2013

Wilbert was a wonderful person to work with and an outstanding public servant. His colleagues that he worked with at DEQ will miss the insight and humor that buoyed us during challenging times. DEQ Executive Staff, 2004-2008.

Dr. Mike McDaniel

March 22, 2013

Sincere condolences to the Jordan family. Ms. Ruby Jordan is very sincere and sweet person.love Debra Mack and family

March 22, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Althea Matthews

March 22, 2013

Candace Landry

March 22, 2013

Mrs. Ruby, I am so sorry for your lost. You and your family are in my prayers.

Candace Landry

March 22, 2013

Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dorothy & NarKeisha Knighten

March 22, 2013

To the Jordan family, may god bless and strengthen you during this time. Will was a good person and a great friend. I will forever remember his smile and laughter. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.

Agnes Chambers

March 22, 2013

Ruby,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John 14:1-3 ...In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Sincerely,
Carol Sells

Carol Sells

March 22, 2013

I met Will when we had a case together over 20 years ago and he just went on and on about his wife and family. He loved his wife Ruby! I'm so glad I've had the privilege of a friendship with you guys for so many years. You remain in my heart and prayers. Our Savior will get you through this very difficult time. I love you!

Hermanese (Gerald, Italia & Maceo) Ravasio

March 22, 2013

March 22, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Cathy Floyd

March 22, 2013

Ruby my thoughts and prayers are with you,your mother-in-law and the children.The Lord our God will give you abd the family the strength to be strong dring this time.

Kim Hausey

March 22, 2013

Too the family may God continue Bless and keep you. You are in our Prayers. I will never forget our high school years and all the fun.
Leona White

Leona White

March 22, 2013

My prayers are with you and your family. Wilbert was a great friend and I will always cherish our friendship. I miss you buddy.

Lonnie Johnson

March 22, 2013

To the Jordan's please no that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tough time. Robert Jr & Julie Crawford

Robert Crawford

March 22, 2013

Ruby and the Jordan family, we will keep
all of you inour prayers. Wilbert will
always be in our hearts. With Deepest Sympathy.

Tommy & Shirley Pittman

March 22, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Terence Wells

March 22, 2013

My Condolences goes out to family of Wilbert Jordon. May he rest in peace.

USM Basketball Fan 1970-73

March 22, 2013

Jesus comes to heal and to make alive. His forgiving grace immediately lifts you up to the heights of his love. Take comfort in His loving grace. We enjoyed the time that we shared in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity - GOMAB

Rev. Clark Clark

March 22, 2013

may GOD be with you now an for ever

douglas thompson

March 22, 2013

To the Jordan Family,
Our beautiful cousins, our prayer is that you look unto Jesus. He will fill your lives with peace that passes understanding. That every remembrance of Wilbert will bring about thanksgiving to God for the time that He shared his son with you. Sorrow not as those who have no hope, but let every precious memory, encourage, strengthen, and bring joy to your hearts as look forward to that glorious day when you will all be reunited on heavens bright shore.

Charles and Gwendolyn Guillory

March 21, 2013

To Ruby,Ms.M.Jordan,Sons& Family my heart goes out to you, Wilbert & I have been very close since 7th grade,I will truly miss him.God take care of all of us.

Olivia Jordan-Mayfield

March 21, 2013

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. May God keep you in your time of bereavement........Don and Jeradine Beal, Waynesboro,Ms

March 21, 2013

To Wilbert Jordan's Family:
Please accept my condolences. God will give you comfort in your grief. I am humbled, grateful, and honored to have known Wilbert. He and I were members of the USM basketball team. I hope you can find confort in the many momories you shared with family and friends and his love for life.

James Simmons

March 21, 2013

I have many fond memories of Wilbert from our days at USM. He was my friend, fellow student, my laboratory partner as an undergraduate and later in graduate school. He will be missed!

Albert N. Fleming
Shubuta, Mississippi

March 21, 2013

May the peace of Jesus Christ comfort and keep you.

Eric Thompson

March 21, 2013

To the Jordan Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Tara Dupre

March 21, 2013

To The Jordan Family

May the compassion of God console you, the mercy of God maintain you and the presence of God give you peace during this time of bereavement.

Lenny Young

March 21, 2013

May God bless the Jordan Family and keep them safe during these times. Wilbert will truly be missed by all Wayne Countians and USMers. Francie Gilmore-Dunn, Jackson, MS (Altair)

March 21, 2013

Ruby, Taylor, Frazier, and other family members may God bless each one of you at your time of sorrow. We are praying for all of you. Love, Ryan, Emma , Lois Wicker

Lois Wicker

March 21, 2013

May God Bless you and your family.

Karl & Dinah Scott

March 21, 2013

Ruby, Taylor, Frazier, and other family members, We are praying for all of you. We love you. Ryan, Emma, & Lois Wicker

Lois Wicker

March 21, 2013

Ruby, know that we have you and your family in our prayers. God' Loves You The Turnipseeds CWA/DEQ

Jackie Turnipseed

March 21, 2013

Ruby, know that we love you and are praying for you and your family. The Turnipseeds

March 21, 2013

I remember Wilbert as a bright and brave young man who exuded optimism and remarkable character at the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a pioneer in the truest sense and he handled a difficult situation with grace and honor.

Rick Cleveland

March 21, 2013

Sharing in your sorrow. With love and friendship...

Tammy

March 21, 2013

Ruby and the Jordan family, I will keep all of you in my prayers. I know that you are safe in the knowledge that God will always be there to comfort you. I'll keep the choir going until you get back.

Leslie Coates

March 21, 2013

May the Lord, Richly bless the Jordan Family, In such of great loss...Will was my friend, my brother, and my mentor. R.I.P Will....

David Wyatt

March 21, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Erica Louis

March 21, 2013

Ruby/Family,you have my deepest symphathy on your loss.May God protect you and your family in your time of sorrow.

AC. Turner/ Family

March 21, 2013

Ruby, you and your family are in my prayers.

Aleshia Taylor

March 21, 2013

With Deepest Sympathy to the Jordan family. Wilbert will be missed in the Prosecutor's Office.

Denitra Neff

March 21, 2013

My prayer is for God to comfort your family during this time. Absent from the body in the presence of the Lord. RIP Will you will be miss.

Shawn Davis

March 20, 2013

Rest in peace wilbert. Glad that I knew you.

A. Jones

March 20, 2013

My sympathy is expressed to the Jordan family. I met Wilbert at USM and will always remember him. He and my brother in law Casey Price played basketball together at USM.

Barbara Lightsey-Jordan

March 20, 2013

Sorry for your loss mr. Wilbert was a nice person who when he came to mississippi always visited my mother who is the aunt to his son wydell Jordan sorry for your loss cuz an to his wife an other children yall are in my prayer.

Latangela Ducksworth

March 20, 2013

Gone but never forgotten may the God of peace shelter you in his loving arms always and forever
sadly missed by Cedric and Sukether Simmons

Sukether Simmons

March 20, 2013

You will be greatly missed. Your friend, Peggy Goods.

Peggy Goods

March 20, 2013

Ruby, Ray Jones and family will keep you in our prayers.

Ray Jones

March 20, 2013

To the Jordan Family,
I met and became friends with Wilbert at USM. I would like to extend my deepest sympanthy for you at this time. I pray that the love of God embraces you during your journey through the passing of Wilbert. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Elvie Willis

March 20, 2013

To The Jordan Family
Wilbert Jordan Jr. was a dear friend, college classmate at USM, and best man at our wedding. We extend our deepest sympathy and pray that God's peace, grace and strength will continue to be with the family. Love to Wilbert's family and many friends.

Melvin & Alfredia Miller

March 20, 2013

To The Jordan Family
Wilbert F. Jordan, Jr. was someone that I admired and idolized growing up in Waynesboro Mississippi. He was a great athlete and even more a great student, he set the standard for us to follow. We are so sorry for your loss, he was a great man that comes from a great family.

Kerry & Jeannine Evans Sargent

March 20, 2013

To The Jordan Family,
My prayers are with you. Despite the times of sorrow and regrets, please find joy and pleasure in the many memories of your lives together. Wilbert and I met during the early years at Southern Miss. He is a history maker: The first scholarship African American Athlete in Mississippi history at a predominately caucasion institution of higher learning. Perhaps, most importantly he was a scholar in biology and chemistry in addition to law, completing course work for the Ph. D. degree.
Many students that attend Southern Miss today, stand on Wilbert's shoulders for good reasons. Laughter, joy, fun, love, family, teamwork and play, friendship and dedication to excellence are traits that I will forever remember of Wilbert. My love and prayers remain with you! The Southern Mississipp family sends their love and condolence.

Eddie A. Holloway

March 20, 2013

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." God Loves you and will never leave you. My husband and I send our love.

Lucile Boykins McCarty

March 19, 2013

To The Jordan Family:
There are no words to express our deep sadness. We mourn with you. Although our hearts are full we know that joy will soon replace our sadness. My wife and I are long time friends of Wilbert. He and I grew up together and Wilbert and my wife met at USM. We pray that the Lord replace your grief with peace.

Eric & Cecile Sumlin

March 19, 2013

To the Jordan Family,

"Our Lord Jesus the Christ knows how much we can bear!"

Trent and Elma Warren

March 18, 2013

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