THE JOURNEY OF A SERVANT’S HEART

June 30, 1952 – June 19, 2022

Leon Augustus Jordan, Sr. was born to James Johnson, Jr. and the late Blanche Virginia Jordan on June 30, 1952, in King George, VA. He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and joined Union Bethel Baptist Church and later in life became a regular attendee of Salem Baptist Church. His early education started at Ralph Bunche School and he graduated from King George High School in 1972. Upon graduation, he completed trade school, but because of his love for working with his hands and being outdoors, he chose the path of being a stone mason.

The Love of a Husband

Leon changed the life of Ruby Laverne Pryor, a petite and gentle young lady, one day that their eyes met on the school bus. Through the love that was planted in their hearts, their relationship blossomed and bloomed into marriage on January 12, 1978. From this union, Leon Augustus Jordan, Jr. and Aaron Lee Jordan were gifted to them. Ruby was Leon Sr.’s “Shortie” and love of his life. Together they enjoyed over 44 years of love together and found joy encouraging each other.

The Love of a Father

Leon Sr. loved his boys with an immense love and was proud of their uniqueness and special gifts. As they walked behind their Dad in his footsteps, they each acquired unique gifts from Leon Sr. He had a gift of meticulously designing and crafting all sorts of construction projects. He took pride in his work and enjoyed mentoring Leon Jr. in this craft. People were drawn to Leon Sr. because he made them smile and feel cherished. Aaron acquired his Dad’s unique gift with people, knowing just how to naturally relate and connect, making people laugh and smile. Through the blessing of his sons’ marriages, he gained two daughters as well, Lorra and Danielle Jordan. He loved them as his own and treasured the blessing that they added to his family.

The Love of a Grandfather

The most precious jewels that he wore around his neck were his grandchildren. He would do just about anything for the grans and he was sure to express to them how much he treasured them. When he became a Grandpa, he became a traveler. Wherever the grans wanted to go, he wanted to follow along to any destination. Even ones that required that he get on a plane which wasn’t his personal preference. He did his best to be at every recital and each and every baseball game or practice. When his health didn’t allow him to sit in the stands, he’d park his vehicle in the parking lot within eyeshot so that he didn’t miss a moment. He was so proud of his girls and his namesake, Trey. He would beam to hear them perform or play.

It didn’t matter what activity he was doing with the family; he just wanted to be together and share a smile, a laugh, or a story from the week. 

The Love of a Friend

A beautiful aspect of his many years traveling to Washington D.C. in the early hours of the day, was the  development of friendships with the commuters on the road over the CB radio. His CB handle was “Speed Buggy”. He also developed friendships through his cherished hobbies. He mentored so many men throughout his life and shared rich friendships over the years. They enjoyed countless hours talking and laughing.

The Love of the Outdoors

The outdoors had a way of calling to Leon Sr. just about every day. He loved being outside, working in the yard, tending to his rabbit hunting dogs, fishing on a boat, constructing a project, hunting for deer, turkey, or rabbits, motorcycle outings, or simply enjoying the beautiful sunshine. His love of the outdoors was a blessing to his sons, friends, and entire family.

The Love of a Servant

Leon Sr.’s acts of service shined brightly in the workplace as a stone mason. He also had the unique opportunity to pose as one of the ministers depicted in the Civil Rights Monument, “Three Kneeling Ministers”. The statue was sculpted by Raymond Kaskey and is displayed in the Kelly Ingram Park located in Birmingham, Alabama. He retired in September 2018 after many years of working with his hands on numerous stone projects in and around Washington D.C.

Leon had a servant’s heart and had a gift of encouragement and giving. Together, Leon and his Shortie poured out their lives, walking the halls together in nursing homes to visit and encourage the residents. The ears of the residents would perk up as soon as they heard Leon’s voice. He always had something to say to make them smile and laugh. He was drawn to the sick, the ailing, and the weak. Laughter was the medicine that Leon prescribed and he administered it well. He was always there for his family in any way that he could be. If he knew the need, he would move mountains to satisfy the need.  He truly treasured the life he was granted, the people that God brought into his life, and the ability to serve them.

His time of serving the Lord and others ended on June 19, 2022, while surrounded by family and friends who treasured him.

His beautiful memories will always be cherished by: his devoted wife and best friend Ruby “Shortie” Jordan; sons, Leon A. Jordan, Jr. (Lorra), Aaron Jordan (Danielle); grandchildren, Love, Lea, and Leon III (Trey); father James Johnson, Jr. and step-mother Phyllis Johnson; brothers, Irving Davis (Lolita), Charles Davis (Diane), Kelvin Johnson, Jeff Johnson (Quintella), James Johnson (Katie), and the late Jerome Davis (Ellen); sisters, Linda Grady, Betty Jordan, Brenda Bailey (Ed), Judy Davis, Barbara McDowney, Deborah Cooper (Brian), Ponngee Hargray (Richard), Pam Janice Beverly, Greta Lyons (Darrin), Lynne Johnson, Charlene Boone (Charles), Faye Johnson, and Tara Johnson; sisters-in-law, Vallire Nelson (Jerry), Faye Jones (George); brothers-in-law, Spencer Pryor, Sr. (Judy), and Randy Pryor. He also leaves a large host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.