Johnetta W. Jordan

Born on January 25, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Johnetta was the daughter of Loralean (Hill) and John Williams. On August 5, 1963, she married Leroy Jordan in Murphysboro, Illinois.

A proud graduate of Eastside High School, Johnetta was a percussionist in the school band. She attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and later earned a Master’s degree in Communications from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois Springfield). After over 33 years of dedicated service to the State of Illinois, she retired in 2007. During her career, she was one of the founding members of Illinois Association of Minorities in Government, an initiative close to her heart.

Johnetta was a lifelong advocate for her community, with a passion for both service and leadership. She was an active member of several organizations, including the Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was deeply involved with St. Katherine Drexel, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she served as a leader, volunteer, and board member emeritus for St. Patrick’s School. Additionally, Johnetta was a member of the Zonta Club of Springfield and a docent at the Dana Thomas House. She also dedicated her time and energy to the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, where she held numerous positions, from troop leader to council president.

Johnetta’s generosity was known by all who knew her. She and Leroy became famous for hosting legendary gatherings that brought together friends, family, and even strangers. Their warmth and hospitality made everyone feel welcome and cherished.

Together with Leroy, Johnetta was a founding member of the Springfield Dominican Anti-Racism Team. They worked alongside the Springfield Dominican Sisters for nearly two decades, committed to advancing the shared cause of understanding and dismantling systemic racism.

Johnetta was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Hollis Dozier (and wife, Norlean); husband, Leroy Jordan; and daughter, Loralean Jordan.

She is survived by her daughters, Laura A. Jordan of Springfield and Jennifer N. Jordan (Rose White) of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren Christian Jordan (Sarah Ruwe) of St. Louis, MO, and Levi Jordan-White of Philadelphia, PA; nephews Victor Dozier (Charlene), Levi Dozier, and Loyal Dozier, all of Metro East Illinois, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loved ones. Johnetta will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Sorority Ceremony will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Katharine Drexel, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1720 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield, with Rev. Jim Isaacson as celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Springfield, the Illinois Assistive Technology Program, or St. Patrick’s School.

Please visit Butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.