Burrell Jordan III

Burrell Jordan, III, affectionately called BJ by some and Brother others, was born January 21, 1942 in Charlotte, NC. He was the only son born to the late Burrell Jordan, Jr. and A. Lillian Jordan. He transitioned from life to eternity on Sunday morning, September 15, 2013 at his home with his loving, devoted wife of 31 years at his bedside. At an early age, Burrell became a member of Our Lady of Consolation, the family church. He served there until he relocated to Denver. Upon his return home. He reunited with the church and served faithfully until his confinement. One of his greatest joys was being a member of the male choir, and assisting his wife, Jean with distributing her handmade shawls to the sick and disabled members of the church family. Burrell was educated in the Charlotte School System at Biddleville Elementary and West Charlotte High schools. He graduated from West Charlotte in 1960 and matriculated to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, formerly known as Maryland State College. Throughout his school life, Burrell was an outstanding athlete which merited him football and track scholarships to UMES. Subsequent to college, he played semi-pro football with the Charlotte Vikings. From Burrell’s teenage years to the last days of his life, he received accolades and awards. His most memorable event was the year he lead West Charlotte High to a 12-0 win in the cross-town, rival game between two staunch competitors, West Charlotte and Second Ward. The game is still talked about, with bragging rights today. Among the numerous honors he has received are the coveted appreciation award from the Peer I family of Denver, Colorado; Lion’s Court Star from the C.L. Blake Society membership; the 1960 West Charlotte High Chapter of the Royal Burns, Inc. Burrell learned at an early age the importance of working in and for his community from his devoted parents who serviced customers throughout North Carolina and beyond as owners and operators of the Varsity Restaurant, the establishment he eventually owned and managed. Because of his love and dedication regarding community, he became a civil rights activist and was vigilant in his pursuit for equality for all. One of Burrell’s many gifts has always been his ability to establish and maintain lasting friendships. His infectious personality always endeared others to him. The innumerable and invaluable relationships have been a constant source of strength as he battled illness and strife. He would often say, “To have a friend is to be a friend.” Burrell truly lived by this creed. The day following his last stay at the hospital, he said to Jean, “When your heart is full of love, there is no room for anything else.” This statement epitomizes the person Burrell was for 70 tears. His life was a great ride with few regrets Among those who are left to cherish his commendable life are his wife, Jean M. Jordan of the home; sons, Darrel D. Duncan and Burrell Jordan, IV of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Yatora Duncan Johnson of Philadelphia, PA, Daryl Duncan, Jr. of New Jersey, and Marquis Duncan of Charlotte; great grandchildren, Jalynn and Ashlie Johnson of Philadelphia; sister, Alfredine Jordan Wiley of Southfield, Michigan; nieces, Lillian Wiley Samuel (Craig) of El Sobrante, Calif., Jennifer Eve Wiley of Atlanta, GA; great nephews and niece, Jordan W., Jeremy C., and Lillian A. Samuel of El Sobrante; his beloved pets, Spunky and Starr along with the Second Ward/West Charlotte Breakfast Club, his cherished friends from UMES, his CIAA family, and his unforgettable friends from Denver, CO.

Burrell Jordan III

January 21, 1942 - September 15, 2013