Hazel Lena Jordan

Hazel Lena Jordan, 11 days before her 99th birthday, passed away at home on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Baptist Church in South Knoxville. She was married to John C. Jordan in 1938. In July of 1941, she gave birth to twins, Jackie and Farris. The following year she gave birth to a second set of twins, Bobby and Dickie. This resulted in her making local headlines as the “Twins Mother.” A local milk company donated free milk for an entire year and total strangers would visit the Jordan home to see the “Jordan boys.” During the time, she and Mr. Jordan were raising the four boys, articles were written about what it was like to feed, clothe, and educate four boys. During her nearly 99 years of life, she enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and growing flowers all around her yard. During her later years, she enjoyed making blankets, cushions, and sweaters for friends and relatives. Most of all, she enjoyed visits from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild. She worked as a nursing assistant at East Tennessee Baptist Hospital for 14 years. Prior to that she worked at Young High School as a cafeteria assistant. When her children were small, she began providing day care for other children for about 12 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Simon Zack and Ezalee Thomas; her seven sisters, Minnie Viola, Stella Mae, Velma, Edna, Ann, Rita, and Barbara Jean; two brothers, Arlie Leon and Walter Kenneth. Survivors include her sons, Jackie and wife Melody, Bobby and wife Helen, Dickie and Farris; grandchildren, Wendy and husband David Clark, Benny and wife Debra, Andy and wife Leslie, Robby and wife Tammy, Jeremy and wife Estera, Josh and wife Ashley, and Jenny; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Jordan and wife Tabby, Caleb, Isaiah, Cooper and Ryan, Sarah, Sophie, Noah, and Addison Wallace; great great-grandchild, Easton Cole Jordan; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks for all the Covenant Hospice caregivers during this last year for their compassion and expertise. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2:00pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, with a visitation to follow. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.