Mary Jane Jordan Willard

WILLARD


Mary Jane Jordan Willard "SweetMoma" was born on November 1, 1935 in Crowley, LA. She earned her Heavenly Wings on October 2, 2018 after a courageous battle with Dementia. Her parents were the late Abraham Jordan and Marie Guillory Jordan. She was preceded in death by her eight siblings. In 2012, she laid to rest the love of her life and husband of more than 60 years, Dr. Elliot C. Willard.

From their union 12 children were born, Cynthia, Elliot Jr., Regina (Joseph), Jacinta, Walter, Christopher (Rhonda), Bernadette (Rufus), Dominic (Terrie), Martin (Nia), Benedict (Diane), Lucita, and Katherine. In addition to her more than 40 grandchildren and over 25 great-grandchildren, she was loved by the thousands of school children whom she taught. She was a graduate of Booker T. Washington H.S. and earned her B.A. degree (Magna Cum Laude) at the age of 54 from Southern University at New Orleans. She began assisting in the classroom as a volunteer when she realized her true calling. For several years she prepared students for their G.E.D. with the New Orleans Urban League Street Academy. She was also a counselor with La. Dept. of Family Services. For over 20 years she was a Social Studies instructor at Alfred Lawless and John McDonough High. During Mayor Sidney Barthelemy's Administration, Mrs. Willard also founded and directed the Total Achievement Problem Prevention (TAPP) program which operated at the St. Bernard Gym. Her program reduced the rate of girls dropping out of school and became a model for other programs throughout New Orleans. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of life on Saturday October 6, 2018 at St. Raymond/St. Leo Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Avenue. Visitation to begin at 9:00 a.m. until Mass time, 11:00 a.m. Rosary at 10:15 a.m. Rev. Anthony Bozeman, Celebrant. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. You may sign the guest book @ www.gertrudegeddeswillis.com. GERTRUDE GEDDES WILLIS FUNERAL HOME INC., IN CHARGE (504) 522-2525.