Adrienne Gaines Jordan

ADRIENNE G. JORDAN was born in Nelson County, Massies Mill, Virginia on Monday, February 27, 1933. She was one of fourteen children born to the late Deacon Matthew Douglas Gaines and Deaconess Lelia Reynolds Gaines. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

Adrienne received her early education from the Nelson County public school system. It was in this era that she met the love of her life, Jimmie. Realizing the importance of education, Adrienne enthusiastically entered Miner Teachers College, Washington, DC (which is now the University of the District of Columbia) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1955. She then returned to her hometown to teach from 1955 through 1956.

Adrienne was joined in holy matrimony to James Richard Jordan, Sr. on December 20, 1958 not long after her final move to Washington. To this loving union was born a son, James Jr. and daughter, DeChanta. She was a true pioneer for African Americans and females as she later received her Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from George Washington University, Washington, DC in 1965 during the era of segregation and civil rights. Adrienne retired in 1988 from the DC Public School system after 31 years of distinguished service to the educational community at-large and Eugene C. Meyer Elementary School. However, the “teacher” in her never waned as she continued to tutor, mentor and emphasize the importance of education to everyone in her path, even until her passing.

Adrienne grew up in a strong Christian family, rooted in values. As a child, she was very active in her homechurch, Oak Hill Baptist, and in later years, founded the “Ever Ready Club” to respond to the needs of the church. After moving to Washington, Adrienne continued her journey of faith as a member of Walker Memorial Baptist Church where she too became very active – supporting the Pastor’s Aid Club, Sanctuary Choir, Voices of Praise, Lay Ministry, Board of Christian Education, Sunday School, Onward-Upward Social Committee and the Bowling League, just to name a few. However, she never lost sight of “home.” After the devastating flood of 1969 that claimed the lives of many Oak Hill church members, family and friends, she founded the Concerned Members of Oak Hill Baptist Church in 1971 to uplift and financially support the home church spiritually, educationally, and structurally. After forty years of leadership, the torch was passed to her daughter, DeChanta, and the legacy continues today. Adrienne was also a member of the Unique 12 Club (Washington based organization) and co-founder of the Nelson Training/Memorial Alumni where she led the way in establishing a scholarship fund to assist youths in their pursuit of higher education.

Adrienne was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of sixty-two years, Jimmie; and twelve siblings, Mosley, Howard, Robert, Mary, Carl, James William, Eldridge, Viola, Dorothy, Russell, Jean, and Alfred.

Adrienne was truly a “Gift from God” and immensely touched the lives of so many. She demonstrated the gift of love wherever she went, always with an orderly path to help those in need. She leaves to continue her legacy: her children, James (Alethea) and DeChanta Walker (Robert); three grandchildren, James III, Joseph, and Tamara Walker; one brother, Garland Gaines (Yvonne); seven sisters-in-law, Emma Gaines, Sarah Gaines, Sally Hearn, Joan Jordan, Elaine Carey (Ronald), Delores Ware (Winston), Emma Jean Allen (Clinton); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.