Senator Luther Henry Jordan Jr. was born in Harlem, New York on June 01, 1950. In 1954, he moved to Wilmington , North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Tuesday, April 23, 2002. Luther was preceded in death by his mother, the late Daisy Fields Jordan, and father, the late Luther Jordan, Sr.
He was a member of the Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, deacon, trustee, and member of the Men's Council. Senator Jordan was owner and President of Jordan Funeral Home, Inc. In 1993, he was elected to the North Carolina Senate. He served five terms as a state senator. While in office, he served as Majority Whip, Minority Whip, Chairman of the Justice and Public Safety Committee, Vice Chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, second Vice -Chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, and Chairman of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. In addition, he served on the Appropriations, Base Budget, Commerce, Information and Technology, Pensions and Retirement and Aging, and Rules and Operations of the Senate Committee. Senator Jordan served in the 7th District and represented citizens in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Lenoir, Onslow, and Jones County.
Prior to serving in thr North Carolina Senate, Senator Jordan served on the Wilmington City Council for sixteen years. During his term, he served as Mayor Pro-Tempore, and was the first black Mayor Pro-Tempore for the city of Wilmington.
Senator Jordan was highly involved in the community. He was a member of numerous committees and organizations. He served Wachovia Bank of Directors and Shaw University Board of Directors. He was a member of the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Hanover Lodge #14 F&AM (PHA), Wilmington Consistory #63, Habib Temple # 159, Wilmington Sportsman Club, East Coast Trail RIders, Past Exalted Ruler Leading Lodge I.B.P.O.E.W., and many other organizations.
Senator Jordan was committed to helping others and making a positive difference in the lives of people. He believed in service to mankind, scholarship, leadership, church, and family. One of his proudest moments was when he graduated from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies in May of 1997. He also graduated from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1972 with an Associates Degree in Funeral Services. In 1969, he graduated from New Hanover High School.
Senator Jordan was a loving father, caring friend, great politician, mortician, and businessman. For many, he was a wonderful mentor and role model. He served the people of New Hanover and surrounding counties with great enthusiasm, commitment, and passion. All who knew him that he loved his family, friends, politics, business, the telephone, and his soap operas. He brought smiles, joy, and laughter to many people through his creative way of making a name for everyone. He truely had a beautiful spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and a very giving heart.
Senator Jordan is survived by his three daughters, Kisha Renee Jordan, Angela Rhodes, and Tamela Malloy all of Wilmington; one granddaughter, Spane Brooks of Wilmington; two grandsons, Malik Williams and Michael Love both of Wilmington; one sister Marsha Blanding of Columbia, South Carolina; three uncles, David Robinson, Alfred Robinson, and Carlton Robinson all of Wilmington; three aunts, Francis Robinson Jefferson of New York and Elizabeth Miller and Ossie Fields both of Wilmington; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives; an adopted brother, Alexander Staten of Maryland; one god sister, Wilhelmina Garrison (Roosevelt Garrison) of Wilmington; many longshoreman friends and former co-workers. His extended family, the staff of Jordan Funeral Home; a dear friend and caretaker, Carolyn Baker; and many good friends. Outside of his immediate family was his greatest love, his staff at Jordan Funeral Home, and his office staff in Raleigh, North Carolina.
