The Jordan and Mothershed families are mourning the loss of Helen “Mimi” Marie Jordan, who passed from this life on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at the age of 90.
Helen Lee-Marie Sapp was born on Nov. 11, 1933 in Temple, Texas. The first of four children, and only daughter of D. W. and Ethel Lee (Glass) Sapp, she lived an idyllic childhood in a small (at the time) Texas town. She could regale with tales of trains (her Daddy was a Railroad man), growing up and living life in the 1930s with many playmates and cousins, and the magical time of a wonderful childhood. Barton Springs was a special place etched in her childhood memories.
Into her teen years, she traveled to many church camps and conferences and was led to her Lord by her beloved Aunt and life mentor, Dolie (Sapp) Leach. She began piano lessons as a little girl, not realizing at the time, of the future she would have as a pastor’s wife and what the Lord was preparing her for. In her late teens, she met a handsome boy from Arkansas that stood out from the rest at her local home church. This young man was to become a preacher in the few years that followed. Helen Sapp became Mrs. Billy Jordan on Oct.7, 1950, and the adventure began.
After attending college, Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), Bill and Helen pastored churches in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Their last pastorate was a coming home experience for Bill, when they had the honor and privilege of being called to pastor the thriving community church founded by his Great Grandfather in Pickens Chapel, Arkansas. This ended a bittersweet era for them with the early passing of Reverend Jordan.
While Reverend Jordan was a truly remarkable pastor, Helen was a talented speaker, in her own right. Whether in the local church or at a Ladies conference setting, she shared her heart with those who had the privilege of listening.
She was gifted in Southern hospitality and was the most gracious hostess. Through their years of ministry, countless missionaries, church officials, evangelists, and guests graced Mimi’s table for Sunday dinners, like no other. Her cooking was something she learned from her husband, as a new bride and resulted in delicious dishes that she became known for and became a holiday necessity in our family. Her homemade candies, all wrapped up every Valentine’s Day were a special treat that will always be missed.
Throughout their years of ministry, countless young people from various life circumstances found their ways to the Jordan’s parsonage for love and support and needing a Mom and Dad figure to love on them. We gladly and willingly shared our parents with the people they served.
In her later years, she especially enjoyed her affiliation with the Agin’ Cajun Choir with the friendships and travels that she came to enjoy. She and her favorite travel companion, grandson Jordan, traveled many miles and enjoyed countless gospel concerts and historical venues. Wonderful memories were made during these times and truly became treasures of her heart.
Mimi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; parents, D. W. and Ethel (Glass) Sapp; her brother, Daniel Sapp; her oldest daughter, Sonia Hudson; along with a great-granddaughter, Bethany Tester.
She is survived by two children, a son, Billy Wayne Jordan (wife Mary Lou) of Slidell; and a daughter, Marla Jordan Mothershed (husband Kevin) of DeQuincy. She leaves behind a dynasty of adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shannon Sommers of Theodore, Alabama, Haley Hudson and Dustin Hudson, both of D’Iberville, Miss., Patrick Jordan of Lafayette, Shane Jordan of Slidell and Jordan Mothershed (wife Amanda) and their son, Christian of DeQuincy. She is also survived by two brothers, William “Bill” Sapp of Elgin, Texas and Richard “Ricky” Sapp (wife Aida) of Salado, Texas; sister-in-law, Echico Sapp; and a host of nieces and nephews. Helen also leaves behind her special friends, Elizabeth “Liz” Mothershed, Betty Heurtevant, Lola NaQuin, Betty Peloquin, Betty Doyle, Peggy Faulk, Mildred Price, and Brenda Johnson. Last but not least, her fur baby, “Pumpkin”.
It would be impossible to capture the influence Mimi had on countless individuals who crossed paths with her. She was the best of pastors’ wives, loving and counseling and caring for parishioners for over 40 years. Being a true southern lady, she had the innate ability to see the good in all people. She could laugh with you, cry with you, pray with you, and share her deepest wisdom. She will be missed by everyone who were privileged to call her friend.
Her funny “Mimi-isms” (if you know, you know) will be sweetly remembered and bring to our memories much amusement for certain!
Her Celebration of Life Service was private, per her request, at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Interment followed at Antioch Cemetery (Big Woods) in Vinton.
We were both grateful and honored to have the compassionate ministries of Rev. Dwayne Hyatt, Mimi’s pastor and Rev. Bruce Austin, Jr., Mimi’s former pastor in leading us through her homegoing service. She loved both of them dearly.
Special acknowledgements and thanks goes to Scott Foreman and his wonderful staff for their amazing excellence and attention to detail in executing what they do best. Also, a special thanks to the DeQuincy staff, Richard Fisher, Barbara Alston, Raymond Lowery, and Nicholas Chachere. We couldn’t have done it without you; thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Also, we would like to thank the staff at High Hope Care Center, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, and Harbor House for their loving care to Mimi during the last five months.
Services entrusted to Mimi’s grandson, Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home, 205 E. Harrison St., DeQuincy.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
(Paid Memorial)
