Emma W. Jordan

Emma Wilson Jordan, 92, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025.

She was born on November 13, 1932, on her family’s farm in Raphine, Virginia, to the late James Moore and Blanche (Miller) Wilson. Much to everyone’s surprise, Emma arrived as the second twin that day. Though the doctor doubted she would survive, she proved him wrong. Blessed with quick wit, an insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, and an adventurous spirit, she spent her life bringing joy to her family, friends, and all who crossed her path.

She attended both Longwood and James Madison Universities, where she was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority. Over the course of her twenty-five-year career in the Staunton school system, she taught hundreds of children to read. In 1952, she married the love of her life, the late Charles “Charley” Jordan. Together they raised two daughters, welcomed family and friends into their home, and spent their retirement years traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Emma was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton. Deeply committed to her community, she was active in numerous organizations, including the Beverly Manor Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America where she proudly served as Regent, and the Augusta County Genealogical Society among others.

In retirement, Emma and her sisters devoted countless hours to researching their family’s ancestry, a shared passion that led to the publication of two-family history books, with a third nearing completion. She also found great joy in playing bridge with her cherished friends and hosting gatherings filled with laughter. Above all, she treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Jordan Stout of Charlotte, NC and her children, Jonathan (Jessie) Stout of Apex, NC and Katherine (Danny) Hellem of Matthews, NC, and her daughter, Martha Jordan Belz (John) of San Jose, CA, and their children, Christopher Belz of Sacramento, CA and Amanda (Bobby) Blau of San Ramon, CA; her six great-grandchildren, Joanna Wade, Reagan Blake, and Lillian Kate of Matthews, NC, Claire Emma of Sacramento, CA, Cooper James, and Connor Wilson of Apex, NC: her twin sister, Martha Wilson Black (Pete) of Richmond, VA; her sister, Elisabeth Wilson Hodges of Lynchburg, VA; her brother and sister-in-law, George and Sandra Jordan of Staunton and, her sister and brother-in-law, Billie and Dan Quigley of Waynesboro; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, James Moore Wilson, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Anne and her husband, George Roller.

The family extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Aviva Baldwin Park and Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, as well as to her devoted sister-in-law, Billie Quigley.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton to celebrate Emma's life. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Emma's honor to Covenant Presbyterian Church (2001 N. Coalter Street in Staunton, VA 24401).