Julie Jordan

Mary Julia von Blucher Jordan, known to family and friends as Julie—or affectionately as Gigi to her grandchildren and great grandchildren—passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, the 2nd of October 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 103 years of age.

Born on the 4th of December 1921, in Austin, to Carl F. K. and Claude Caldwell von Blucher, Julie grew up with a love for learning, laughter, and beauty that would mark her life for more than a century. She graduated from Austin High School and went on to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and was a member of Tri Delta sorority.

Julie met the love of her life, George Jordan, in the fall of 1943 through a family friend while he was home on leave from the Army. For him, it was love at first sight. Back home on leave in February, George proposed in Dallas on Friday, she prayed about it overnight, said “yes” on Saturday, and they were married the next day, Sunday, the 6th of February 1944, in Austin. The following morning, the newlyweds headed to Seattle, where George was stationed.

After the war, and after George completed his degree at A&M, they moved to Iowa while George completed his master’s degree in actuarial science. Their early married life took them to Hartford, Connecticut, and then to Dallas in 1950, where they raised their family. In 1970, George and Julie moved to Houston, which would remain their home for the rest of their lives.

Julie was active in her community and a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church. She served as President of Presbyterian Women, encouraged countless others through Inspire Women, and was a board member of the Nehemiah Center for several years. She was also a member of the Blue Bird Circle, the River Oaks Garden Club, the Houston Rose Society, and the River Oaks Country Club.

Those who knew Julie will remember her as a woman of grace, hospitality, intentionality, and quiet strength. These gifts she lavished on her children and grandchildren. Through annual Christmas cookie parties, countless family gatherings at the farm, or her very own “Camp Oakland Hills” where she hosted her grandchildren for a week of games, crafts, and casseroles in ready supply, she carefully crafted and beautifully executed the kinds of traditions that pass on faith, family values, and bestow a deep sense of connection and belonging.

Julie delighted in beauty – in her gardens, her flower arrangements, and the elegant spaces she created. She had a remarkable sense of style and design, and even in her later years could be found tending flowers, enjoying a good book, or working a crossword or jigsaw puzzle. She had a sharp and often dry sense of humor that kept everyone laughing until the very end.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Claudia; and her beloved husband of seventy-one years, George Jordan.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Carol and Dan Taylor, Claudia and Alan Stewart, and Mary Lu and Jim Campbell, all of Houston. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Mary Shannon and Todd Ratliff, Julie and Marcos Leon, Hailey and Cam Huxford, Daniel and Caitlyn Taylor, Carol and Jeremiah Chan, Marie and Robert McKee, Jean and Nick Hardy, Jordan and Mary Catherine Campbell, Stewart and Alice Campbell, Stephen and Beth Campbell, and Anna and Andrew Hulse; and thirty-five great-grandchildren, who adored their Gigi.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who surrounded Julie with love and compassion, Vicki Semander, Yeonette Knapp, Diane Harding, and Myrna Richards. Deep gratitude also goes to her longtime Pilates instructor, Sarah Mifsud, for keeping her moving and smiling for so many years.

Julie’s faith was her quiet strength, her humor a gift to all, and her legacy one of steadfast love. She lived a long and beautiful life, rooted in grace, surrounded by family, and guided always by the God she trusted completely.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 11th of November at First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Jim Birchfield and Rev. Curtis Bronzan are to officiate.

Immediately following all will be invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in nearby Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Julie’s memory be directed to these three ministries that were especially dear to Julie's heart: First Presbyterian Church of Houston, Inspire Women, or Nehemiah by simply selecting their respective link below under "Donations"; or to the charity of one’s choice. These organizations reflect her lifelong love for nurturing faith, beauty, and hope in others.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.