House Resolution 33

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PROFESSOR ROBERT LEE "BOB" JORDAN, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Professor Robert Lee "Bob" Jordan, Jr., to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Hattiesburg lost a wonderful friend, community leader, Christian and educator on Sunday, December 15, 2013, with the passing of Professor Jordan, born on May 5, 1933, to the late Jessicana H. and Robert Lee Jordan, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, he confessed a childhood hope in Christ at an early age and was a faithfully devoted member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church for the duration of his earthly sojourn, where he was instrumental in the spiritual and educational advancement of the church through his active service as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School director and teacher, Baptist Training Union director, Minister of Music, and musician for the Youth and Mass Choirs and the Male Chorus; and

WHEREAS, an individual who exceeded every expectation held for him, Professor Jordan was destined to achieve greatness at the very outset of his life, as evidenced by his prodigious command of music and academic education, graduating at the top of his Springfield Consolidated High School class, before excelling in his matriculation at Rust College and Vandercook College, where from the latter he received a degree in English; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity, Professor Jordan's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of Velma Jean Smith, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony on February 21, 1958, and completed the family unit with the fruitful addition of five children; and

WHEREAS, having devoted more than 32 years to providing educational enlightenment to the impressionable minds of the students of the state, Professor Jordan taught driver's education, English or band at various times during his tenure of service at Carver High School in Okolona, Mississippi, Earl Travillion in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Bassfield High School, Locker High School in Wiggins, Mississippi, and a Catholic School in Holly Springs, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, a devoted husband and caring father next, and always the willing worker, Professor Jordan possessed an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, being a man after God's own heart as he led by example and his willingness to serve, as evidenced by the rendering of his innate gift of musicality to Springfield Baptist, Priest Creek, Mary Magdalene, Mount Olive, Starlight, New Zion and Mt. Vernon Baptist Churches, as well as his role as acting Dean of the Hattiesburg extension of Lift Bible College, and Sunday School teacher and Minister of Music for the Second Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Training Union and Sunday School Association; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his parents and late wife, the legacy of Professor Jordan's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: children, Zola King, Cynthia Hall, Kevin, Lars and Karen Jordan; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selfless and genteel nature of an individual of the esteemed caliber as that of Professor Jordan:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of Professor Robert Lee "Bob" Jordan, Jr., and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Professor Jordan and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.