(1950 – 2010)
Mary Lucile Jordan grew up in Ashland, Alabama, in Clay County. She completed high school at Clay County High and attended Auburn University, receiving both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Home Economics Education.
Jordan taught high school home economics at Thomaston Public School System in Thomaston, Georgia, before joining the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in Etowah County in 1978. She served as the county 4-H agent until she accepted the position of County Extension Coordinator. She continued her interest in 4-H until her retirement in 2010.
The 4-H Foods and Nutrition program was always strong in Etowah County. Over 300 youth participated in the baked foods exhibit at the club level each year with 75 participating at the county level. These young people consistently placed in the food-related events at the district and state levels. Over the years, several attended National 4-H Congress as a result of their food record books, and one was a National winner through her Breads Record Book. The skills learned and knowledge acquired through the foods and nutrition program in 4-H continue to help these young people make healthy food choices for themselves and their families.
Jordan wrote a weekly column in The Gadsden Times from 1999 until her retirement in 2010. The articles related to foods – history, safety, selection, preparation, storage, preservation, holidays, and equipment used in food preparation. Recipes and other tips were included in those articles which were syndicated to 17 newspapers owned by The New York Times.
Jordan was active in several professional organizations. She was a member of NEAFCS for 25 years, receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2004 and the Continued Excellence Award in 2005. The Alpha Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi recognized her in 2004 with the Distinguished Serice Award. She served as Vice-President in 1995-1996 and was a member for 30 years. Jordan was a charter member of ALAE4-HA. She served as president in 1991, received the Cecil Mayfield Leadership Award in 1997, the Distinguished Service Award in 1998, and the Meritorious Service Award in 2003. She served on several national committees, including the 1989 NAE4-HA Annual Meeting held in Mobile.
Jordan worked on the team that developed “Just Move Alabama.” The project received national acclaim in several of the associations and is continuing to be used as a health and fitness program in the Alabama 4-H.
Mary Lucile’s death occurred on November 24, 2010, after a brief illness. She is survived by her mother, Mary B. Jordan, and her brother Milford, and his wife Martha, as well as loving nephews and nieces.
Epsilon Sigma Phi holds Mary Lucile Jordan in high regard and lovingly places her name on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 552
