Jewell Addison Jordan

Jewell "Jackie" Addison Jordan was born on July 4, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, the tenth of eleven children born to the late Rev. Milton D. Addison and Oslena Whitfield Addison. She was raised in Cleveland and educated in the Cleveland Public Schools system, attending East Clark Elementary School, Rawlings Junior High School, and Central High School. Growing up in a family rooted in faith, Jackie attended African Methodist Episcopal churches pastored by her father. From an early age, she developed a love for music and enjoyed playing both the piano and the oboe.

On July 5, 1952, Jackie married the love of her life, William Jordan, Jr., who preceded her in death. Together they built a loving home and raised five children-three daughters and two sons. Their home also welcomed a special addition to the family, William's niece, JoAnn Simpson, who came to live with the Jordans at the age of eleven and was cherished as their own daughter. Jackie and William shared a deep love of travel, creating lasting memories with family and friends along the way.

Jackie was a devoted and supportive mother who took great pride in her children's education and accomplishments. She encouraged them to excel in school and was always present to support their scholastic and extracurricular activities. Her pride extended beyond her immediate family-she celebrated the achievements of her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone who contributed to helping others.

Strong-willed even as a child, Jackie embodied the finest Addison family traits. She was ethical, compassionate, responsible, selfless, and conscientious. Jackie often expressed her love for others through her cooking, especially her baking. Her pies were legendary among family and friends.

A natural leader, Jackie was never content to simply follow-she was an activist and a champion for her principles, her family, and her community. She served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, an Indian Guide Mother, and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also dedicated several years as Chief Adult Advisor for the Cleveland Chapter of the NAACP Youth Council, where she advised, counseled, and chaperoned many young people from the Cleveland area. In addition, she was a founding member of the family reunion organization known as ADTRA, Cleveland Chapter.

Jackie's professional life reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. In her early twenties, she obtained a license to sell insurance and traveled by bus to collect premiums from clients-often bringing her little sister along. She later earned a real estate license and owned multi-suite residential properties. Jackie also worked as a bookkeeper for Sweeney's Barbecue and owned a neighborhood store for a period of time. Her career continued with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, where she served as an Interviewer Specialist. After twenty-four years of dedicated service, she retired in 1997 and was honored for her work at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William; her parents; nine of her siblings; her dear granddaughter, Imani; and numerous other cherished family members and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Linda Lavonne Dobbs (Kenneth), Jennifer Denise Browne, William Kevin Jordan (Marci), Angela Jewell Hand, and Anthony David Jordan; her niece/daughter JoAnn Johnson (Jack); six grandchildren Brandi Dobbs, Kenneth/Kacey Dobbs (Cassandra), Vanessa Nutter, Michael Browne, Esha Hand-Goodwin (Juan), William A. Jordan; six great-grandchildren; her sister Carol Jean; nieces and nephews Ruth Ann (Lavon), Cedric, John Ellsworth (Pamela), Michael, Herbert Addison, Adrianne Celeste, and Arthur Whitfield (Sheri); and a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Jackie's life was defined by strength, service, leadership, and love. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the community she helped uplift.

In Lieu of Flowers Please send donations in Jewell’s name to:

NAACP Cleveland Branch

2800 Euclid Ave Suite 640, 

Cleveland, OH 44115