Rev. Oscar Jordan, Jr. Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ames Funeral Home, Inc. on Aug. 1, 2025.
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After a journey through illness, carried by grace and sustained by faith, Reverend Oscar "Sharp" Jordan, Jr., peacefully entered into eternal rest in the early morning hours of Monday, July 28, 2025. Following a lifetime of faithful service and unwavering stewardship, he was called home to be with the Lord-free from all afflictions and embraced by everlasting peace. He leaves behind a legacy of grace, devotion, and purpose. Though his earthly presence will be missed, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born on October 10, 1926, Oscar was the sixth of eight children blessed to the late Oscar and Julia Keith Jordan. All five of his brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
On February 12, 1947, just five weeks after meeting
her, he married Doris Fowler Jordan, whose love and unwavering devotion became the steady foundation of his life and calling. Their union was marked by deep faith, enduring love, and a shared commitment that spanned 78 beautiful years. Throughout their marriage, Mrs. Jordan stood faithfully by his side - a true First Lady in every sense of the word. With grace and quiet strength, she supported his ministry, served the congregations alongside him, and helped nurture a home that welcomed not only their family but many others who became like family. She remained a constant presence and comfort until his final moments, faithfully honoring the sacred vows they exchanged so many years ago. Together, they were blessed with two sons: James T. Jordan and the late Donald Jordan.
Rev. Jordan joined Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, where he served faithfully as Superintendent of Sunday School for many years. At just 17 years old, he acknowledged his call to the ministry, and one year later, on July 22, 1945, he was ordained under the leadership of Rev. R. R. Freeman at Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church. Soon after, in August of 1945, he was called to pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ellijay, Georgia, marking the beginning of a powerful and lifelong pastoral journey.
Throughout his six-decade ministry, Reverend Jordan faithfully pastored nine congregations, beginning with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ellijay, Georgia, where he was called in 1945 and served for six years-with a short break while serving in the United States Army. He later pastored Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, Georgia for two years. Both churches were part of the Northeast Georgia Baptist Association, where he also served as Moderator.
He went on to lead Fair Ground Baptist Church in Dalton for nine years, and in 1958 was called to pastor Bryant Chapel Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia, where he remained until his retirement in April of 1995-dedicating 36½ years to that congregation. During this period, he also pastored Shiloh Baptist Church in Ringgold for eight years, Rocky Ford Baptist Church in Dallas, and New Bethel Baptist Church in Summerville, where he ministered for 32½ years. He also faithfully served Mt. Zion #2 in Graysville, Georgia, on third Sunday afternoons for over 30 years, and was later honored as Pastor Emeritus of the church.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Jordan held leadership roles at the association level, serving as Vice Moderator and Moderator of both the First North Georgia Association and the North Georgia Missionary Baptist Association, later being named Moderator Emeritus of both. He was a dedicated member of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. for 36 years, as well as an active participant in the National Baptist Convention, USA.
His preaching ministry reached far beyond Georgia, touching lives from the pulpits of small rural churches to large congregations across the country-from Georgia to New York to California. Whether delivering a Sunday morning sermon, teaching a midweek Bible study, or bringing a word of comfort at a funeral, Rev. Jordan shared the Gospel with power, clarity, and compassion. He was known for his deep knowledge of Scripture, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to sound doctrine. Through revivals, conventions, and special occasions, he poured into countless pastors, leaders, and laypersons alike, leaving a legacy that will live on in the lives and ministries of those he touched.
Alongside his ministry, he worked for 33 years at Canton Textile Mills, where he broke racial barriers by becoming the first Black supervisor. He also worked closely with his lifelong mentor, Judge Grady Vandiver, doing odd jobs and gaining valuable life experience and wisdom.
Although Rev. Jordan and his wife were blessed with one living son, their home was rarely without the sound of footsteps and laughter. Over the years, they opened both their hearts and their home to countless young men and women-family members, church members, and friends-offering guidance, shelter, and unconditional love. Many still affectionately call them "Mom and Pop," a testament to the lasting impact of their care. Rev. Jordan's life was a living example of his favorite motto: "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."
Rev. Jordan leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. Left to celebrate and honor his life and legacy are: His devoted wife of 78 years, Mrs. Doris Fowler Jordan; his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. James T. Jordan (Joyce); his beloved daughter-in-love, Mrs. Alberta C. Jordan and his beloved son-in-love, Mr. Morris Miller. He is also survived by three grandsons: James Anthony (Jessica), Kenneth Michael (Kathy), and Jarel Leon; one granddaughter, J'Nell Laverna; five grand-godchildren: Gwendolyn Willis, Chasity Brunache, Monica Carson, Kenya Miller, and Keenan Miller; five great-grandsons: James, Jeremiah, Anthony, Amarion, and Jaden; two great-granddaughters: Ayanna and Mariah; three great-great-grandsons: Jeremiah, Jett, and James; and one great-great-granddaughter, Milan. Also mourning his passing is a special friend, Joey Holcombe, along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were all blessed by his presence and will continue to honor his memory and legacy. Having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, Rev. Jordan now rests in the eternal presence of the Lord - reunited with loved ones and received into eternal joy. His life was a testament of grace, and his legacy of love, leadership, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We rejoice in knowing that his soul now rests with the Savior he so faithfully served.
"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:21
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Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church
180 Belletta Dr
Canton, GA 30114