Stephen Curtis Jordan

Stephen Jordan, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2024, at the age of 85. Stephen was a remarkable man whose legacy of education, service, and leadership will be forever remembered. His love and dedication to his family, his community, his church, and his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity were an inspiration to
many. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life was a well-lived journey of impact and love.

Stephen was born on December 4, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Curtis and Maggie Jordan. He was baptized on April 23, 1948, at the age of 10, at Ebenezer Baptist Church by the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. His early years began in Atlanta, Georgia, before the family’s relocation to Detroit, Michigan. His years in Michigan laid the foundation for a life full of achievements that began in high school. At Cass Technical High School, he was an All-American basketball player while also excelling academically. His talents on the court earned him a full athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan, a testament to his dedication and skill. At Michigan, he always wanted to study aeronautical engineering to be an astronaut. He quickly realized, however, that he was too tall at 6 feet 4 inches, so he changed his major to business.

Though a lifelong “Michigan Wolverine” in his heart, his love for NYC and his quest for knowledge and growth led him to transfer to New York University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the Stern School of Business. He worked throughout school at the post office at night to pay for school and later received a scholarship to play basketball at NYU. Stephen furthered his education with a Master of Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service at NYU. During this time at NYU, he pledged the
distinguished Omicron Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., becoming one of the “Elegant Eight” and entering into a lifelong brotherhood.

In 1957, during Stephen's first year at the University of Michigan, he met Doris, who was attending Eastern Michigan University. They remained friends until they started dating when Doris moved to New York to pursue her affiliation in occupational therapy. They fell in love and married in Rockville, Maryland on March 21, 1964. They welcomed their daughters, Kim and Karen, raising them in Hartsdale, New York, building a legacy of love and memories. His devotion to his wife and family was unwavering, and he instilled in his beloved children and grandchildren the importance of education, integrity, and hard work.

Professionally, Stephen was a leader in Human Resource Management, holding executive positions at leading companies such as General Electric, Bristol Myers Squibb, ITT Corporate, and the Colgate Palmolive Company. During Stephen’s career, he lived in Chicago, IL, Cincinatti, OH, Gary, IN, Philadelphia, PA and Marblehead, MA before settling in New York. After leaving corporate America, he became a human resources consultant for Jordan Associates.

Throughout his career, he pursued his passion for teaching as an adjunct professor at institutions including Sojourner-Douglass College, John Hopkins University, Bowie State University, Mercy College, and community colleges in Manhattan and Westchester County, New York. His commitment to teaching and mentoring students was evident to all who had the privilege of learning from him. Later in life, he pursued his doctoral degree at George Washington University. 

Stephen was an educator and embarked on a mission to enlighten and inspire others. He was an avid reader and was committed to personal and professional development. His life was a testament to his dedication to lifelong learning and growth. He enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge, especially with his daughters and granddaughters.

Stephen’s passion for teaching was only matched by his love for magic, a hobby that he enjoyed and shared with everyone around him. Stephen first developed his love for magic at the age of 9. He liked to call himself an “Edutainer,” a term he used to combine his love for education with his passion for magic and mentalism. His family and friends looked forward to his performances. In his later years, he performed with the Bowie Magicians Group for Senior Citizens and his Victoria Falls community.

Stephen was an active community member, serving in many leadership positions within Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the New York and Silver Spring Alumni Chapters. More recently, he served as the Senior Member Chairperson. He also enjoyed providing professional development for his Kappa brothers. He received the 2022 Hall of Fame Award for the Silver Spring Alumni Chapter at their 50th year Charter Day Celebration.

Many also knew of Stephen’s passion for singing all his life. His family has fond memories of his performances throughout the years. He was also a committed choir member at Ridgeview Congregational Church in White Plains, New York and Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he sang in the choir until December 2023. He was often a soloist and remembered for his smooth, bass voice.

Stephen was a man of faith, served as a long-term member of two United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations, and held leadership positions within the church and the UCC board in New York. He lived a life of purpose and commitment to God. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. 

Stephen leaves behind a loving family: his beloved wife of 59 years, Doris Jordan; his children, Kim Jordan and Karen Faucette; his son in law, Wendell Faucette; his grandchildren, Alexis Faucette and Anaïs Jordan; his sisters in law, Wilhelmina Young (Robert deceased) and Annette Taylor; his aunt Thelma Huff;  his niece, Felicia Taylor; his nephews, Robert L. Young III (Tanya) and Damon H. Young (Angela); his cousins, Melvin Davis, Kempter Lay, Annie Mae Hood (Lee), Pam Nelson, Kim Preyer, Carolyn McComb (Rudolph) and Dr. Rudolph McComb Jr.; and a host of family, friends, colleagues and students whose lives were enriched by his teaching and love.

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