Eli "EJ" Jordan III

Eli “EJ” Jordan was born on February 19, 1959 to Juanita Jackson and Eli Jordan. Full of joy and laughter with an infectious smile, EJ was easy-going and had a natural ability to bring calm to any situation. He was a lover of music and his life embodied the essence of jazz. EJ attended Prince Edward County Public Schools, where he excelled in academics. He was selected as Prince Edward’s candidate to attend the 1976 Governor’s School for the Gifted and was an active member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees (both with honors) from Virginia State University.

After receiving his Master’s degree, EJ worked as a guidance counselor for Longwood University and Cumberland County Public Schools, where he also coached basketball. He later worked as a counselor for Southside Community College and Frederick County Public Schools. EJ retired from Sherando High School in Winchester, VA as the Director of Counseling. EJ was baptized in 1990 and served as a congregation elder from 1992-2001. He was united in marriage to Deirdre Dove on December 19, 2008 and remained devoted until his passing. He enjoyed biking, weightlifting, jogging and traveling. Most of all though, he enjoyed family - being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a great mentor, adviser and friend to many. EJ was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Jackson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife, Deirdre Dove Jordan; daughter, Elise Jordan; son, Dylan Dove; grandsons Josiah and Jaivin Monroe; brother Michael Jordan; sister Teresa (Cleveland) Scott; uncle Robert E. Jackson; cousins Willie (Alice) Jackson, III and Lloyd (Mae) Jackson, along with Olivia (Jason) Tillerson and Marilyn “Tressie” Jackson. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Deloris Earley; sisters-in-law Ursula Dove and Karima Dove; brother-in-law William (Carlette) Dove, Jr.; nieces Yasmin and Zora Muhammed; nephews Ryan and Nathaniel Vance, Brandon and Justin Dove, and Ibn Muhammad; and a host of other in-laws, friends, and colleagues.

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