Annette Jordan

My Story - Well now, if you’re reading this, I’ve gone on home. I transitioned to my heavenly home on Wednesday, March 18th at UAB with my loving daughter, Tessica by my bedside. Now don’t you worry none. I lived a good, full life, and I’ve got a story or two to leave behind.

My name is Annette Jordan. I was born August 17, 1957, down in Vincent, Alabama, to the late H.B. Jordan and Willie Ruth Jordan. I grew up on the River Loop, Short “Rat Road” (Railroad) and The “Hill” that is now known as 466. I made my way through this world with grit, laughter, and just enough sass to keep things interesting.

Faith was always part of my foundation, and I was proud to be a member of Coosa Valley Baptist Church under the leadership of P.E. Kidd. That’s where I found strength, community, and a whole lot of love.

I graduated Vincent High School with the Class of 1975 where I was part of the Drill Team. After graduation I spent a little time at Tuskegee University, just a semester, but long enough to know I could hold my own anywhere I went.

I served my country in the United Sates Army National Guard Reserve, reaching the rank of E3. I worked as an Administrative Specialist for seven years, even spending time to detail at the Pentagon, yes, THE Pentagon. I handled my business, did my duty, and did it well.

Now let me tell you, I wasn’t all work and no play. I loved me some softball. Second base was my spot, I and I played it with everything I had. And if there was a game of spades going on, you best believe I was in it and talking my mess while I did. I was competitive, no doubt about it, but it all came from a place of joy.

Many knew me by a few names, “Hester” and “Nanette.” Now let me clear that up, my grandbabies called me Nanette because I did not care too much for being called Grandma, and their mother knew it. I told them to call me Annette, but Tessica wasn’t going for that! She said no mama, we will just put Nana and Annette together and call you “Nannette”. Being their Nanette was one of my greatest joys, and I carried that title with pride and love. There is one more nickname story I want to share with y’all. My baby brother Duke nicknamed me “Della Street”. For those of you that don’t know who Della Street was let me tell you. Della Street was Perry Mason’s secretary. Secretary Della knew everything Perry Mason did and kept that in a file cabinet. Now y’all know I didn’t bite my tongue, not even when I ate. So, when anyone tried to shame or embarrass me, I would go to my file cabinet, pull their file and drag them through the mud. I truly lived up to that name!

My love for children was immeasurable. Lord I raised so many children on that hill. Me and them children would be everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I taught them many valuable lessons. One thing I taught them was to never tell anyone where we had been and if they did, they would not be able to go with me again. Let’s just say I took a lot of our adventures to my grave.

Now before I go, I want to speak on my people, because family meant everything to me. I was proceeded in death by my son, Frederick Jamaal Jordan and my brother, Willie B. Jordan, and I carry their love with me always. I leave behind my beloved caring daughter, Tessica Demi Jordan, who meant the world to me, along with my loving grandchildren, Tre’ Peterson (Clyde), Eniyah Jordan (Bonnie) and Brayden Wilkins, who gave me so much joy and laughter. I also leave behind my sisters, Lynda McGraw, Regina Elliot and her husband Bennie, and Quincy Banks and her husband Jermaine, along with my brothers John Wayne Jordan, Freddie Jordan, Melvin Jordan and his wife Helen, and Duke Jordan. I also leave behind my uncle, J.W. Hardy and my aunt, Stella Hardy. And I have a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who filled my life with love.

And Tessica, let me talk about you for a minute. Now I tried to make this as easy as possible for you, because I know you got all the book sense, but sometimes I worry about you, you hear me. Take care of Bonnie and Clyde like I told you. Don’t you sit around being sad either. I told you I was going to ride this out, and I meant that. All is well, and y’all gone be alright. You know I did this my way. One more thing, don’t you forget now, go on and have that party you said we were going to have. Laugh, enjoy yourself, and don’t hold back on my account.

I left this world on March 18, 2026, but I hope I left behind something more than just memories. I hope I left laughter, strength, and a reminder to live life fully, say what you mean and mean what you say, love your people, and don’t ever back down from a good time. So don’t be too sad for me. Just think of me when you hear a good joke, play a hand of spades, or see someone holding it down at second base. I’ll be around, in spirit, in stories, and in every bit of love I gave. Oh one last thing. Someone please teach Tessica how to play spades, she didn’t learn that from me.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annette Jordan, please visit our floral store.