Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA
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Obituary For Dr. Bobby G. Jordan
Obituary For Bobby Jordan
Celebration of life services for Dr. Bobby G. Jordan will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary and Interment Westview Cemetery. Dr. Jordan leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters Shaunda Jordan Holder and Dr. Kelli Jordan; his son Branden Jordan; his grandchildren Morgan Holder and Jordan Holder; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance for the Celebration of Life service is limited to family and invited guests only and masks are required. Services will be streamed online on the Alfonso Dawson website.
On Friday, January 7, 2022, visitation will be open to all from 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, 3000 M. L. King Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, GA, 30311. A Wake will be held in his honor at 5:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the Jordan family is asking for donations to the Dr. Bobby G. Jordan Book Scholarship which can be accessed at www.drbobbyjordanscholarship.com
Obituary
Dr. Bobby Gene Jordan was born June 8, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the youngest of seven children born to the union of the late Steve and Mary Jordan. Bobby was a member of Lindsay Street Baptist Church where he started his walk with Christ at a very young age and later joined Jackson Memorial Baptist Church where he was affectionately known as “Uncle Bobby”.
Bobby was a product of Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1959. He was awarded a band scholarship to Florida A & M University (FAMU) under the tutelage of his mentor Dr. William Foster. Bobby was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Nu Chapter, at Florida A & M University in the Fall of 1960 and maintained his love and devotion to the fraternity throughout his life.
A brilliant student and talented musician, Bobby was inducted into the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music in 1963. Bobby’s early love of learning never abated and served as the foundation of his 42 year-long career as an educator. He began his career as a band director at his beloved alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School where he implemented the Marching 100 style he learned and mastered at FAMU. He built an outstanding band program and left a lasting legacy that Washingtonians still brag about today. Bobby continued his education at Atlanta University earning a Master of Arts (1974), an Education Specialist Degree (1986), and Doctor of Education (1987) in Administration and Supervision.
He went on to educate thousands of students in schools throughout Georgia, including Henderson High School (Principal), Briarcliff High School (Assistant Principal), Booker T. Washington High School (Director of Concert and Marching Bands), Dekalb Community School (Education Supervisor) and Clark College (Assistant Director of Bands).
Bobby was an educator’s educator, having trained dozens of student-teachers and advanced-level educators. Just like the discipline of music, Bobby was known to be exacting and complex, yet empathetic and approachable. He always maintained a high bar of excellence for his students. He has truly left an indelible mark on the lives of so many, mentoring students throughout their lives, long after they graduated high school and navigated the trails of adulthood.
Upon retirement, Bobby continued to spread his love for music throughout the community as one of the founders of the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band. Over the years, he blazed many trails for educators throughout Georgia and served as the First Black Elected Chairman and the First Black Adjudicator of the Georgia Music Educators’ Association.
An avid golfer since the 90’s, Bobby spent his retirement on golf courses near and far with the Atlanta chapter of Pro Duffers USA. He was a charter member of the chapter, founded in 1995, and volunteered with the “Hook a Kid on Golf Program,” continuing his longstanding commitment to mentorship. You could also find Bobby racing cars, fishing with the Mystic Knights of the Sea and finding solace in photography.
Bobby was proud to serve his Atlanta community with membership in the Washington High School Alumni Association, remaining extraordinarily close to his classmates, bandmates and former students throughout his life. Over the years, Bobby was a member of the DeKalb Association of Secondary School Principals, Northlake Rotary Club, Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, Georgia Music Educators Association, DeKalb Administrators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, FAMU Alumni Association, The Marching 100 Band Alumni Association, and the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity.
Bobby leaves to cherish his memory his loving children Shaunda Jordan Holder, Dr. Kelli R. Jordan, and Branden Jordan; grandchildren, Morgan Holder and Jordan Holder; sister-in-law, Betty Jordan; nephews, Rev. Dr. Gregory A. Sutton (Gail), Rev. Clifford E. Sutton (Brenda), Floyd Lawson Jr. (Belinda), John E. Jordan Jr.; nieces, Gloria T. Gross, Brenda T. Jordan, Sherri Knuckles, Kim Daniely (Willie), and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Guest Book
I just found out today of the passing of Dr. Jordan. He was the very first principal that hired me (in DeKalb County) at Henderson High School. I was young and inexperienced, but he had faith in me. I recently retired after being in education for the past 35 years. Dr. Jordan, I will forever be grateful to you for taking a chance and hiring me. God Bless Your Family and may you play beautiful music in heaven. Jackie Ferguson Neal
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Bobby my heart is sadden of the passing of your life I remember you as a young boy and friend of my family. In and out of my home with my husband. Being apart of our Atlanta Falcon squad. Painting my house and on and on of the memories. I called you and was not aware you had passed until I saw your obituary in the paper. How shocked I was to see and try to believe it. I will always remember our last visit after my husband passing. So many memories reflection. You will always be apart of our family and in our hearts. Rest dear Bobby for you in God's house. Your spirit will live forever Madie, Judy, and William II Revere
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Bobby Jordan Family prayers and sympathies to your family. Your passing has sadden our family. So many memories of you and your musical talents shared with your mentor at the Almighty BTW Bulldog Country and "Prof" my dad Mr. Revere. You have joined your musical friends in heaven. God has called you home to be apart of his Heavenly Musical Ministry. Rest In Peace Bobby we will miss your smile and kindness. So many memories. Rest In Peace dear Bobby!
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Excuse me for being completely shocked by the passing of his Band Director's Baton as (Dr./Mr.) Bobby Gene Jordan. I didn't know that he departed right after Christmas. Death comes too often as an absolute, total surprise. That's a cautionary tale in itself. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, the heart ❤ of my mind goes out to his grieving family 👪 ,friends, and students(such as I) as sympathy and/or condolences 🙏❤💔😢. I can't say 💔😢 how you feel as loved ones, but, in all due respect to "GOD," please understand and accept my support 🙏💙❤💔😢💜 in your time 🙏💙❤💔😢💜 of bereavement and beyond... Let "me" know if "I" CAN do anything humanly possible to minimize the immediate impact of his transition from life,and to maximize his treasured memories and accomplishments in our minds. MAY "GOD" SO BLESS!!!! 20.01.22 13:41 IV
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I just learned of Dr. Jordan's passing today and I would have been truly honored to speak at his funeral on behalf of his students that graduated from Briarcliff high school classes of 1984- 1987. Dr. Jordan saw fit to help keep lots of students out of trouble and he was always available to talk with us about various topics, HE was firm but very open and understanding and we loved him he was like our daddy. He was such a old school gentlemen and I admired him to the fullest. To his family and host of friends my condolences to you. I am blessed to say I had the opportunity to have met him, spoke with him, laughed with him and many other pivotal memories with him, Very good man he will be missed. Piper Fraley-Slaton, class of 1984 Briarcliff High school. Grayson, Georgia
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My heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Bobby Jordan. So blessed to have worked with him in the Dekalb County School System. Rest in peace my friend. Dr. Regina R. Fletcher
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My deepest condolences to the Jordan Family🙏🏽 May the Lord carry you through this very difficult time and the memories of your father bring you joy!
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I will never forget you Dr. Bobby G Jordan, I remember the days everyday. You used to pick me up every Everyday in the morning on your way to work and on my way to school. And after we got to school You would have me go to the grill to pick up your grilled cheese and coffee, I Will cherish those memories. You were my mentor! March on Dr. JORDAN, MARCH ON!
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With deepest sympathy to Gloria Gross and to other family members of Bobby Jordan. We, the BTW Ladies Lunch Bunch, class of 1959 will fondly remember Bobby during our high school days at Booker T. Washington High School.
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One brief moment in time is all that was needed for us to become friends. My condolences to the family of Dr. Bobby Jordan. So blessed to have worked with him in the Dekalb County School System. Davis A. Cooper, Jr.
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Condolences to the family of Dr. Bobby Jordan. Bobby such an honor to have known you.
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I met Dr. Jordan in the hearings office in the DeKalb County School System back in 1997. I was a young and inexperienced administrator who Dr. Jordan took under his wing as I brought challenging discipline cases to him. He was so patient and always willing to show me the way, took time to take my calls - a mentor in my early years. I will never forget what you did for me, time and time again - and will work to mentor others like you did for me. Rest In Peace, Dr. J. - Grace Taylor
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Dr. Jordan was a mighty good neighbor. He took time out to come to meetings to plan ways to keep Emerald Court one of the most distinguished streets in the city of Atlanta. His knowledge and expertise in doing things were so beneficial to us. I am going to miss Dr. Jordan and his conversations. Whenever I passed his house and he was outside, we would always talk a while. He was a great and honorable man. Forever a friend and good neighbor. Rest in Peace, Paulette Calhoun
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Like he did on so many others, Dr. Bobby Jordan had a profound impact on my life personally and professionally. I was a student at Henderson High School when he joined the administration as an assistant principal. I had no idea at the time that I would one day be an educator myself, but a few years later Dr. Jordan – by that time the principal at Henderson – gave me my first job. What a privilege to be one of his students and then one of his teachers. I will always be in his debt for the wisdom, counsel, experience, and wonderful sense of humor he shared with me. My path personally and professionally would no doubt look a lot different without his influence. Rest in peace, Dr. Jordan. I'll see you in Heaven! Dr. Brook Whitmire
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To the family_Many have been touched by the genius of Mr. Jordan, as a student at B.T.Washington H.S. & beyond_even non-band members & non- music students (such as myself). His profound legacy will continue. Praise God for loaning him to us all._Phyllis H.[B.T.W.Class of 1970]
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Dr. Bobby G. Jordan Tribute- Booker T. Washington H.S. Concert Band On YouTube... https://youtu.be/dx8SU6sKPII
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To the Family of Dr. Bobby Jordan: Bobby and I met as freshmen in 1959 at Florida A&M as we participated in the MARCHING 100. Our relationship continued throughout the four years until graduation in 1963. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God bless and comfort you during these difficult times. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Moffett (Columbus, GA)
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Recently, I found a rare treasure among my time capsule collection of vinyl album LPs. The genius of Bobby G. Jordan, Director, as he would inspire us during our years as Washington High School Concert Band students to perform at competition superior levels of achievement, on full display in this rare collection of recordings. "MEMORIES 1969 THROUGH 1973" is a shinning example of what education should be, and how young minds will respond when challenged with creative, positive, and sometimes entertaining/comedic demonstration in teaching methods. Principals during the years represented were A. A. Dawson, followed by Robert L. Collins in 1973. Listen to sample BTW Band, copy and paste URL. https://video214.com/play/JOyx8E2FuKL0ykW7atb0zA/s/dark BTW Bulldog Band, Proud Percussionist 1969~1973 ~Quintin J. (Former Student) RIP Mr. Jordan! May his memory live on and bless us all the more.
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You will be missed!
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You will be missed from your presence at JMBC liked I missed you when I was a student at BTW. We all looked to you as our hero, and when I married and became a member or JMBC—could not believe I saw you. May Heaven welcome and have a "Special" music area for you because He made you "Special" on this earth for us! You will be missed! Minister Jacqueline E. Wright
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Thank you Dr. Jordan for your legacy of excellence for all of the students who you coached, mentored, and supported during your tenure at B. T. W. The world is a better, brighter place because you passed through! Much love and light, Dr. Chandra D. Lemons (Burton) Class of 1979
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With admiration, adoration, and respect, I salute Dr. Bobby G. Jordan in appreciation for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication. I first encountered Dr. Jordan as a Kennedy Middle School band student preparing for the instrumental music festival. Dr. Jordan was our guest band director who helped to ready us for a superior performance. Being very interested in his style of teaching music and musicianship, I became a student at Booker T. Washington HS (c/o 1980) where I excelled under his guidance in concert, symphonic, marching, and jazz bands. There are no words superior enough to give justice to the kind of educator Dr. Jordan was to the students of BTW. He modeled for us intelligence, pride, perseverance, and showmanship. Whenever he stepped up to the podium (indoor or out), his audience knew that the performance to come would be nothing less than remarkable because that is what he commanded. As my mentor, Dr. Jordan helped me to settle in to my second career as an educator. Under his guidance, I became a DeKalb School District educator, and in his footsteps a Teacher of the Year and principal. At each of these junctures, Dr. Jordan gave me advice that served me well. The best advice being, "Always do the best by those you serve, especially the children." He also reminded me of his famous saying, "Excuses do not excuse." Therefore, I try diligently not to make them but rather to identify solutions and see them through - a gift Dr. Jordan shared with us all. I can never thank Dr. Jordan enough for his gift of seeing and exposing the gift in each of his students. He never let our personal circumstances define us; he cared most about helping to provide the tools and experiences that would make us the best beings we could be. Rest in Heaven Dr. Jordan. You have earned the "Superior" selection of God as one of His angels. To God be the glory for your life and accomplishments. I love you dearly. Obelia Harper Hall
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I had heard of Bobby Jordan (Sousaphone Player) during my tenure at FAMU 1965-70) and as a band member (Trombone) during those years. I finally met him at an Alpha Phi Alpha benefit golf tournament in 2017. He was truly the gentleman and intellectual that I had always heard of. I was told his famu band nickname was bacon-fat.
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T.W.saddens my heart that Dr. Bobby Jordan left this earth. He was a good man, a great teacher, and an even greater Band Director. He put B.T.W. Band on top of all APS High school System in my era. We performed halftime for the Atlanta Falcons (televised). He made sure we were the best. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.l believe Dr. Jordan has earned his wings. Thanks Dr. Jordan for so many good memories.Sonia Rossman - B.T.W. Majorette 1968-1970.
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It is with joy and musical brotherhood that we, the Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity Inc., celebrate the life and contributions of Brother Bobby Jordan (initiated Spring 1962). You will be missed but your light will continue to shine through musical Harmony. -The Delta Iota Foundation
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It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the passing of my former husband, Dr. Bobby G. Jordan, my FAMU love, wonderful friend, and father of my daughter, Shaunda Jordan Holder. To her siblings, Kelli and Branden, and the entire Jordan family I offer heartfelt condolences. We loved him but God loved him best and may he now rest peacefully in God's loving arms. R.I.H., my friend. E. DeLores Jordan, Rockledge, FL
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This is for Ronald Wilkins who was a member of your band at Washington High School. Thank you for everything you did for him as he learned from you and your efforts. Dr. Rita Daniel
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We've lost a positive role model that affected so many young people life's during your life's tenure. As a fellow Washingtonian band member (class 1975) I want to say thanks for sharing your positive mentorship. I offer my prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time. May the heavenly angels applaud and welcome it's newest band member. Long life your legacy.... Fletcher Pate, Warner Robins, GA
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We've lost a positive role model that affected so many young people life's during your life's tenure. As a fellow Washingtonian band member (class 1975) I want to say thanks for sharing your positive mentorship. I offer my prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time. May the heavenly angels applaud and welcome it's newest band member. Long life your legacy....
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA