Bessie Gladys Thompson Jordan, 90, twin daughter of Henry and Louisa Aden Thompson, was born Feb. 17, 1919, at Ellis Prairie, Mo. She passed away Jan. 10, 2010, at Houston House nursing home, Houston Mo.
Bessie grew up in the Ellis Prairie community, helping on the family farm. She learned to love and ride horses under the guidance of her Pa, who fondly referred to her as “Babe.” She married John Franklin Jordan on Nov. 13, 1942. John was her devoted companion for 53 years. To this union two children were born.
Bessie lived her life in the Ellis Prairie and Houston areas, then at her home in Raymondville for many years until her health required her to live at Houston House.
Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; three sisters and four brothers.
She is survived by her son, Johnnie Jordan and wife, Kay, of Houston; her daughter, Dorothy White and husband, Bob, of Houston; sister-in-law, Faye Thompson of Springfield, Mo.; sister-in-law, Irene Bennett and husband, Ted, of Houston; grandson, Brian Jordan and wife, Jennifer, of Houston; granddaughter, Barbara Tuttle and husband, Don, of Summersville; three step-granddaughters, Candis Akin and husband, Dan, of Crane, Mo., Jamie Schanda and husband, Jayson, of Nixa and Carla Walker and husband, Willy, of Houston; four great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; seven step great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Bessie worked many years in the manufacturing industry at International Shoe Company, The Lee Company and Rawlings Factory. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, whether it be fishing in a local stream or tending her garden growing a variety of plants and flowers to share with family and friends. She liked to sew and embroidery, always careful to make a neat stitch. She was a good cook, serving her delicious fried chicken to her family at many Sunday dinners, sharing dishes and baked goods with friends and neighbors and always ready to prepare a meal when company dropped by.
Bessie was a charter member of Raymondville Baptist Church. where her membership remained. She was faithful in her attendance until her health no longer permitted.
Bessie loved spending time with her family, and friends and neighbors. She was a wonderful mom and grandma, and will be missed by those who loved her.
Services were Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, with Wesley Wallace and Kendall Ford officiating. Burial was in Arthurs Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian Jordan, Don Tuttle, Willy Walker, JW Mitchell, Chance Johnson and Jason Tuttle.
Donations may be made in Bessie’s name to the Arthurs Creek Cemetery. Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Evans Funeral Home.