Jordan Oscar "J.O." Williams Sr.

The second oldest of six children, Jordan Oscar Williams, Sr. was born to Gladys and Thomas Clifton Williams in Tyler, Texas. His family later moved to Dallas, Texas, and Jordan stayed behind in Tyler to care for his grandmother. After his grandmother passed away, Jordan joined his family in Dallas, where he attended James Madison High School. Upon graduation from Madison High, he attended Tyler Junior College and was later accepted into Bishop College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1964. It was there that a love for education was cultivated.

Jordan embarked upon a career as a classroom teacher at the Dallas Independent School District(DISD) soon after graduating from college. He completed graduate studies, attended law school and pursued careers in several esteemed industries including pharmaceutical sales and airline transportation but ultimately found that his heart was still in education. In the late 1970’s, he returned to the DISD, teaching at Jefferson Davis Elementary until his retirement.

In the midst of all his studies, Jordan was also enjoying life. He was blessed with two children, Sherilynn Scott and Keith Green. In 1966, he met and married June Thomas. They eventually made Houston, Texas their home and were given the gift of three children to this union:Monica Georgette, Jordan Oscar, Jr., and Cher Denise. After Jordan and June divorced, he returned to Dallas. Jordan was well known by his friends and loved ones for his scholarly mind, love of knowledge, but most importantly, his culinary genius. His love of cooking was inspired by his parents. Friends and family alike came near and far, lining up throughout the year to savor his second-to-none barbecue brisket, chicken, ribs, turkey, links or any other creative fowl he could ‘throw on the pit’. In his final hours before going to be with the Lord, he spent time sharing his brisket secret with Sherilynn, who was entertaining for the Super Bowl. Thank God, he left the secret with us to share for generations! Jordan’s passion for lighting the pit and making meal masterpieces was inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial endeavor in the restaurant business, Williams Barbecue. Williams Barbecue continues to inspire all of us, including Jordan’s siblings, children and grandson, Michael. No one’s cooking was better than Gladys Williams’. Jordan secretly watched his mother prepare her best dishes and copied the recipes so he could perfect and horde them. Being a Williams was an honor to Jordan and his siblings, Carolyn Jean, Gladys “Marie”, Ronald, Donald and Betty Joyce. Each are and were proud children of their parents’ legacy, and they have passed that honor on to their offspring.

Most remember Cowboy Jordan. Walking through the Williams house, one was sure to catch a whiff of his Magic Shave, as he was preparing to go through his full grooming regiment so he could adorn in the finest threads money could buy. If you were lucky enough to catch his door open to his self-made apartment in Grandma’s house, you would witness everything lined up and in order: a collection of the latest custom or handmade boots, his clothes hung meticulously by color, his chest of drawers never out of order…clothes folded and arranged military-style, and a wad of money tucked neatly in one of the drawers. Nearby was his trusted pistol in case anyone got sticky fingers. He especially enjoyed entertaining in that makeshift apartment, and everybody loved going in there.

After retirement, Jordan was diagnosed with diabetes. Eventually, the disease led to loss of limbs and failing health. In keeping with his caregiving spirit instilled while caring for his grandmother, Jordan lived with his mother until her death in 2010. When Jordan moved to his senior living community, he had all the amenities in his home. In spite of his disability, there was never a dirty dish in the sink or a speck of dust on the furniture. Meticulous should’ve been his middle name. He was the model resident at Broadmoor Apartments in DeSoto until his death.

Left to treasure his precious memories are: children Sherilynn Scott-Smith (Fred), Keith Green, Dr. Monica Williams-Davis (Eric), Jordan O. Williams, Jr. (Tavonye), Kimberly Williams (Angelo) and Cher Williams Riles (Kevin). Jordan loved his siblings, two of whom preceded him in death, Betty Williams Rorex and Donald Williams. He has four surviving siblings, Carolyn Williams-Edwards, Ronald Williams and Gladys “Marie” Williams Ghebresus. Jordan has seven grandchildren: Michael Smith, Brittaney Harvey, Madelana Green, Joshua Williams, Kaylee Green, Madison Riles and Joel Williams; three great-grandchildren: Leah Smith, Michael Smith Jr., and Eden Harvey. He also cherished and loved by two nieces, Donna Garza and Kelly Miller; two nephews, Christopher Williams and Donta Williams and special friend, Sue Udigi. He will be greatly missed by his surviving family, friends, and students and will continue to inspire the many lives he touched.