Victor C. Jordan

Victor Carlyle Jordan, or as he was known to many, “Brother River” or Brother “J” was born on November 6, 1928 in Saint Michael on the West Indian Island nation of Barbados to Edith Jordan and Alonza Webb. He came to the United States from Barbados as a young man, eventually finding his way to New York City. Like so many before him, he came with very little baggage, just a youthful enthusiasm and a dream of building a better life in America.

Victor eventually found employment at the American Book Stratford Press in lower Manhattan, where he worked proudly for over 25 years. A co-worker introduced him to Julia Virginia Harris, our Sister Jordan, a strong-willed Virginia native, who became his wife. Their union was blessed with their daughter Kathy. As you would expect, working at a book bindery, books were a staple of life in the Jordan home, in particular Bibles! Other children received games, toys, dolls as gifts, for Kathy it was a library of beautifully bound books.

The family first lived in Brooklyn. Moving to Queens as many in the late 1960’s, not far from a little church that would become their spiritual home, the Bellerose congregation of the New Apostolic Church.

Many of you know that Brother Jordan and his family were products of the lost New Apostolic art of “canvassing”, and for that he (We) will always be thankful to the Poeschl family and our dear, dear friend Priest Anderson, who initially introduced the Jordan’s to this church, faith and fellowship. Brother Jordan loved the New Apostolic Church, was proud to wear his “Black and White”, and lived to make mischief with his buddy Herbie Kramer in choir, go visiting, or even scrub gum off the floor of the Valencia theater in Queens - he loved it all! He was instrumental in the growth of the Flatbush congregation and maintained the quality of the coffee (and occasional coaching of the young Deacons) here in Hollis. You probably do not know that for many years he held two jobs, doing a straight “nine to five” during the week and then “moon-lighting” on Friday and Saturday evenings, coming home around 6:00 am on Sunday morning , and then heading off to take Kathy and others to Sunday School and morning service. Lack of sleep had no impact on his spirit or his faith.

Brother Jordan had an infectious laugh and a kind loving personality - He was a happy man, and made others happy by simply being around them. He touched people with his kindness and always had a smile like the sunshine of Barbados that shone on all those around him. He liked to have fun, simple fun, and was the “Ying to the Yang” of his more serious, but loving partner and wife. At one point he and Kathy traveled to Barbados for a family funeral at the height of summer. After completing family duties, they talked about what a shame it would be to come to Barbados and not “bathe” in the beautiful, clear waters; neither was prepared, but they “improvised” and shared a wonderful afternoon on a beautiful Barbadian beach and its’ clear blue waters. And of course, never, never burdened Sister Jordan with information on that part of the trip.

As some of you know, Victor was the primary caregiver for his dear wife Julia in her declining years. He served her with a tenderness and care that could only come from the deepest love, and she spoke often about how, “she didn’t have to worry about anything”, because Carl took care of her”. Sister Jordan usually referenced Brother Jordan as Carl, a variation on his middle name.

Brother Jordan passed peacefully while sitting in his recliner, watching TV, and waiting for his Jerk chicken, rice and peas. He treasured his independence, drove his car to the end, and was blessed, like his siblings, with an exceptionally long life and amazing good health. He is survived by his daughter Kathy, older brother and sister, Cecil Jordan, and Vivienne Jordan, respectively, three grandchildren, Clifford, Gail and Sharon, and nieces/nephews Arlene, Hazel and Darnley, other family members, and host of dear friends, brothers and sisters that he deeply loved.

If Brother Jordan were here, he would borrow from the verse on the prayer cards you have, which says, “ I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles, of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days … “

On behalf of the family, I want to give a very heartfelt thank you for your prayers, and kindness and in particular for those that helped to make tonight special with singing, preparations, food and well wishes.

A visitation for Victor will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM at New Apostolic Church, 99-14 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens Village, NY 11429. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 10, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 99-14 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens Village, NY 11429. A visitation will occur Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at R. Stutzmann & Son, 224 39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428. A committal service will occur Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Jordan family.