Marcella Turner Jordan

Marcella Jordan went to be with the Lord on May 10, 2010 at the age of 67 at her residence in Chicago, Illinois . Born in Kentucky on January 12, 1943.Marcella is survived by her beloved children, Alicia (Joseph) Strzyzykowski, Aleta, Annette, Amelia, Benjamin Jack. Loving grandmother of Dora Jordan, Samantha Jennifer and Cassandra Strzyzykowski, Alex and Sarah Jordan, Leo Gage Acosta and Ben John Jordan. Dearest great-grandmother of Samantha Jordan.

Funeral Services Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. from Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 W. Cermak Road to St. Ann Catholic Church, 1840 S. Leavitt, Chicago, Illinois 60608 for Mass of Resurrection - Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. Interment Private.

Visitation at Zefran Funeral Home, 1941 West Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, Thursday, May 13, 2010 and Friday, May 14, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. both days. For more information call 773-847-6688

Arrangements under the direction of Zefran Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois.

In the song of life, Marcella Jordan was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Marcella preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Marcella believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Marcella perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Her parents were Jack Turner and Dora King Turner. Marcella was raised in Kentucky. As a young child, Marcella was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Marcella rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Marcella showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four siblings. She had three sisters Wanda, DeVonya, & Shirley and one brother Paul. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Marcella developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Marcella liked concrete things. Growing up, Marcella took part in Basketball and stick ball. In her spare time she liked fishing, drawing sketching and hunting. However, to Marcella, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Marcella received her G.E.D. at the age of 45 years old. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Marcella had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On May 1, 1969, Marcella exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Benjamin John Jordan at the Lutheran Church on Damen in Chicago, Illinois.

Marcella was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Marcella was blessed with five children, Alicia, Aleta, Annette, Amelia, and Benjamin. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Dora Jordan, Samantha Jennifer and Cassandra Strzyzykowski, Alex and Sarah Jordan, Leo Gage Acosta and Ben John Jordan. Dearest great-grandmother of Samantha Jordan.

Marcella found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was homemaker. She had been employed for a factory and Jewel Food Store but her main job was to take care of her family. Marcella tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Marcella enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, softball and traveling. Marcella was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Marcella liked sports. Recreational sports included softball and playing catch. Marcella was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were watching the Chicago Cubs Baseball games and Green Bay Packers football.

Throughout her life, Marcella was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Marcella was an active member of the her local block club. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Marcella’s faith was important to her. She was a member St. Ann's catholic Church for over 37 years. During that time, she was prayed at home and honored all holidays with family. Marcella's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Marcella was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. She often undervalued her achievements and abilities and simply viewed her performance as fulfilling her responsibilities. Some of her most prestigious awards included Mother of Year.

Because she loved the world around her, Marcella enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Marcella put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included Starved Rock.

Marcella was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Marcella’s favorites was Sylvester the cat; Punky and Lance. They were best friends for she had Sylvester for fourteen years, Punky and Lance for ten years. Her family was rounded out by her Taptap, Batcat, Miss Piggy Ooze and Chigger.

When Marcella’s retirement finally arrived in she retired from Jewel Food Stores in 2007., she was well prepared. In retirement, she found pleasure in gardening and being with family. Even in retirement, Marcella continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Marcella was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Marcella always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Marcella was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Marcella Jordan.