Mary Jordan
Mary Jordan “Madear”, 85, longtime resident of Chattanooga and affectionately known as “The Barbeque Lady”, died peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at her home in Gary, In.
She was a member of Greater St. Mary Baptist Church and later united with the St. Joseph Baptist Church. She served as Mission President for 25 years, prayer warrior on the radio for 15 years, Mother’s Board, Choir member, Women’s Day speaker and affiliated with The Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Alice Watkins; two husbands; beloved daughter, Georgia Albey; sisters, twin sister, Martha, Elmira and Alice; and brother, William; granddaughter, Renee Roseberry.
She is survived by her son, Reverend Henry (Everlina) Spencer of Chattanooga; daughters, Annie Hurt, Martha Jordan both of Gary, In., and Angelia Elder of Atlanta, Ga.; sister, Della Johnson of East Chicago, Il.; brother, Hezekiah Watkins of Eutaw, Al.; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be on Monday at 11 a.m. at Greater St. Mary Baptist Church with Pastor Henry Spencer officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.
Her body will lie in state on Sunday after 5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.