DECEMBER 23, 1925 ~ MARCH 25, 2020
Mary Joyce (Hobie) Perdue Jordan, 94, claimed her heavenly home on March 25, 2020 after a long illness. Mary was born in Atlanta, Texas on December 23, 1925 to parents Bessie Gertrude Blakey and Clifford Floyd Perdue, Sr. She was a proud member of the Atlanta Rabbits marching band and delighted in keeping up with her high school friends on Facebook (she was ahead of her time!) and attending the many reunions.
Mary had two younger brothers, Clifford Floyd Perdue, Jr. and William Allen Perdue who she adored. Mary also was cherished by her two exceptional grandmothers in Atlanta, Reverend Mary Ellen (Mamma Shug) Turner Perdue and Martha Jane (My Mamma) Blakey Perdue. Both were young widows and raised their children as single parents in a difficult time in Texas history. Mary was especially proud of Mamma Shug who was the first woman ordained minister in the Louisiana Methodist Conference.
Mary moved to Houston after high school where she attended business college and began working at Remington Rand Corporation. It was then that she met her husband to be, J. Lon Jordan. They were married from 1945 until his death in 1992, 47 years. Two beloved daughters were born, Catheleen Jordan (David Cory) and Janet Jordan. During their time in Houston, Mary and J. Lon helped to start a new Methodist church in their neighborhood and Mary was the most sought-after PTA Mom at the elementary school. The kids all thought she was a movie star, to her surprise! The beautiful couple belonged to the Cosmopolitan Club, the Elks Club and were regularly seen on the dance floor and the golf course.
After moving to Fort Worth in 1962, Mary began working in the insurance business where she quickly ascended to management. She worked for several companies in Texas, Arizona, California, and back to Texas where she ended her career with Saint Paul Insurance Company in Arlington, Texas. During this time, she was a role model and mentor for young women as she accomplished many ‘firsts’ in an era when only men were called to leadership positions. She especially enjoyed belonging to Toastmistress Club and writing and giving speeches. Her speeches always had a surprise ending, like the speech she gave about her wonderful visit to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower only to end saying that the trip was in her dreams and she sure hoped to go one day! She did get to Paris and beyond.
After her husband’s passing, she travelled several times with her girlfriends and her children to the Caribbean and Europe. She and her daughters had an annual summer trip to explore the USA and Canada. Mary also decided to attend college during her retirement years. Her fondest memory is the young, confused student behind her in registration line who said, “Ma'am if you're going to graduate, you'd better take more than 2 classes a semester!”
Mary’s life dream came true when her grandchildren and great grandchildren were born. She was the happiest when she was with them cooking, baking, playing games, accompanying them on their concerts and ball games, and just hugging them. Mary also felt most blessed by living with her daughter Janie the last decade of her life and for Janie’s loving and devoted care of her during her illness.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, parents, grandparents and two brothers. She is survived by her daughters, her grandchildren Kate Cobb (Cormac Hayden), Chris Cobb (Melody Lancaster), and great grandchildren Lea, Breana, Kayne, Kaydence, and Isabella. She is also survived by her beloved nieces Gina Sheets (Tim), Allyn Glenn, Laura Villareal (Marla), and Diane McAndrew (Frank), as well as her nephew Austin Jordan (Barbara). The family thanks her wonderful friends from Atlanta, Texas, New World Methodist Church and Columbine Condo’s for helping to make Mary’s golden years wonderful and special for her.
Mary is in the care of Moore Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Davis in Arlington, Texas.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
Charitable donations may be made in Mary's name to the North Central Texas Alzheimer's Association, 817 336-4949, apowell@alz.org
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