Retha Mae Jordan

On Thursday, February 1, 2024, our all-wise God called home our precious, mother, grandmother, auntie, and friend, Retha Mae Jordan. She was born on October 4, 1924 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Williams in Florence, South Carolina. At the age of three, both of Retha’s parents passed away and she was adopted and raised by her aunt, Hattie Davis. She accepted the Lord as her personal savior at an early age. She loved worshipping and serving God, and helping others as well. Retha eventually moved to Suffolk, VA where she met and married the late Reginald Jordan Sr. and from that union they were blessed with two children, the late Reginald Jr. and Delores. Being a military wife (Air Force) the family traveled abroad to places such as England, Phillipines, Hawaii and airforce bases in the United States. After her husband retired, the family settled in Chesapeake, VA; where she raised her children and made a permanent home for her husband. Retha worked with the Navy Resale (Navy Exchange) and retired after 20 years of faithful service. She found her church home at New First Baptist Taylorsville, where she worshipped and served for over 50 years. Retha served on the Flower Club and Senior Auxiliary. She served her community, serving as head of the hospitality committee of the XYZ Club. Helping and serving others giving assistance where it was needed. Retha Mae was a true matriarch of the family. She was loved by many because of her loving ways. Always there when you needed her. She was an excellent cook. Many would come from miles to sit at her table and enjoy the delicious food she prepared. Always having enough for her family and her extended family. Once you sat at her table and ate her food, you were family. Her favorite time to cook was during the holidays. Retha Mae loved watching WWF Wrestling every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. You would find her in front of the television screaming and cheering with excitement for her favorite wrestler. If you happen to be on the phone or in the room while she was watching it, prepare yourself to be invited into her world. You were most definitely going to be ask, “are you seeing this?”, “why aren’t you watching this?” She was definitely an avid wrestling fan. Retha Mae was also predeceased by her son-in-love, Anthony G. Wilkins Sr. and grandson, Reginald Wilkins. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Dolores A. Wilkins; two grandchildren, Anthony G. Wilkins Jr. (Tiffany) and Crystal Wilkins; two grandchildren, Anthony G. Wilkins lll and Arianna Wilkins; a host of bonus grandchildren and a niece/special daughter, Thelma Rawls who lived in New Jersey, but would make special trips to Virginia surprising mom and making her day. We truly thank God for allowing us to see our mother and grandmother reach the age of 99. Many weren’t able to reach that age and have an opportunity to see, talk, play and fellowship with the generations that she would leave behind as her legacy. We praise Him for her life!

Retha Mae Jordan

October 4, 1924 - February 1, 2024