Sylvia S. Jordan

Sylvia Ann Stokes Jordan, adored by so many family members and friends, passed away peacefully on March 17th with her loving family by her side. Sylvia was born October 24, 1944 in Andalusia, Alabama. She was predeceased by her father, Silas Absolum Stokes, and her mother, Doris Louise Stokes Parrish. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Hugh Max Jordan, son Jeffrey Eric Jordan (Crystal) of Tallahassee, daughter Joy Louise Herron (Andray), sister Sheila Williams Taylor of Biloxi, Ms., and beloved grandchildren Jordan Louise Herron and Connor Ray Herron of Tallahassee. We were all extremely blessed to have had Sylvia in our lives. She was a true southern renaissance woman, but she never thought much about her background or accomplishments. Sylvia and her family moved to Tallahassee in 1976 from Atlanta, GA. She immediately emerged herself in Tallahassee’s heritage, culture, and politics. She had many “firsts” in her life. From the first female to race on the Montgomery Drag Strip in her youth to becoming the first woman to be named Executive Director of the Tallahassee Builders Association and Associated Builders and Contractors. She was a member of numerous committees and boards of directors. In fact, she was the first female member of the Capital City Rotary Club and the first woman to serve on the Innovation Park board of directors, where she would eventually become the first woman elected chairman of the organization! She served on the first Tallahassee Tree Protection Committee and the Tallahassee Code Enforcement Board. She also served as Chairman of the North Florida Christian School Booster Club and President of the Capital City Women’s Network, a club which affords women the opportunity to communicate, discuss issues, and support each other. She was a vital part of the organizations, going all-out for what she believed was best for the community, no matter the situation or how anyone else viewed her actions. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and she acted accordingly. She was also the founder of two local newspapers: The Builder News and the Tallahassean. She never set out to be a champion of women’s rights, but women today are benefiting because of what she accomplished and the barriers she broke. Her actions spoke louder than words. Remember, Sylvia grew up in a time when women had a difficult time getting credit, purchasing property, or getting anything financed. She would spurn these discriminatory practices. Because of her, many women today in high-power positions have Sylvia to thank for changing peoples’ attitudes. She shattered so many barriers and left a strong legacy for future women. In her later years, she passed on the “good fight” to the younger generation and enjoyed traveling, entertaining, gardening, and visiting with family and friends. She and her husband visited 127 countries and brought back countless cherished memories. She will be forever missed by all that were blessed to know her. Services will be held on Saturday, March 22 at Bevis Funeral Home. The family will receive close friends and family following the service at 3549 Lakeshore Drive. Memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice in honor of Sylvia Jordan and Jean McCully at 1823 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida, 32308. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the Jordan family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Sylvia S. Jordan

October 24, 1944 - March 17, 2025