Patsy A Jordan Steverson

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

A time to be born

Patsy Gatewood Jordan-Steverson was born on October 19,1934 to Artrie Gatewood Sr. and Ethel Meeks Gatewood.

A time of faith

At an early age, she was united into the Christian Family of St. James CME church.

A time for education and service

She received her High School Diploma from Pine Street High School, in Conway, Arkansas. She later pursued higher education at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas where she was active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She received her Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Social Work and English from Philander in 1956. After graduation from Philander Smith College, she received a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Louisiana Tech University.

A time to love

Following graduation from Philander she married Dr. Chester Jordan. This union produced a daughter, Kim, and a son Chester. Later in life, she married her childhood sweetheart, Mr. Raymond Steverson. This union endured until her death at the age of 87.

A time of honor

Patsy Jordan-Steverson was actively involved in community service throughout life in the Methodist church, then later in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was an active member of United Methodist Women.

A time to work

She worked as an elementary school teacher in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Gibsland, Louisiana, and New Brunswick, New Jersey. She retired as the Coordinator of Academic Counseling and as Assistant Professor in the College of Basic and Special Studies at Grambling State University. After retirement, she served as a volunteer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

A time to rest

On Sunday, November 21, she was called to her eternal home surrounded by family. She leaves a legacy of wonderful memories to be cherished by her daughter Kim Jordan-Washington, son, Chester Jordan II; and grandsons, Jordan Kyle Washington, and Chester Jordan III, who brought joy to her life. She was a tireless mentor to students at Grambling State University where she is remembered as being the epitome of professionalism. She will live on in our memories as a devout Christian believer who fought the good fight and never gave up.

In her own words

This too shall pass…

Just keep living…

Never give up…

Nothing lasts forever…

May she rest in eternal power…