Linda Gayle Jordan

Linda Gayle Jordan was born July 11, 1957, in Braden, Okla. Linda, the youngest of seven children, was preceded in death by both of her parents, Mr. Carlton L. Jordan Sr. and Mrs. Inez Bluford Jordan; and two sisters, Mrs. Ethel M. Heller and Mrs. Vera L. Billings.

Linda attended the Fort Smith public school system, graduating from Northside High School in 1975. She went on to study at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a major in political science, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her quest for knowledge and education continued as she was the first African American female officer on staff at the University of Arkansas Police Department and later the first African American to be promoted to the position of investigator, graduating from the Arkansas State Police Academy. She later received a graduate degree in banking from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Additionally, Linda attended and completed numerous banking schools during her more than 26 years at First National Bank in Fort Smith.

Linda accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized into St. James Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health prevented her from being an active participant. She has held many offices within the church — president and treasurer of the choir, member and treasurer of the Alice Wright circle, church treasurer and secretary, and youth director. She also was a member of a group of Christian women, called “Diamonds,” where she was the treasurer.

Linda had a passion for cooking and loved being with her family. Additionally, Linda was always very active in community affairs. Even with her busy schedule, she found the time to carry on the traditions of her late mother, ensuring continuity of the family. Linda Gayle (as she was called by family) was the official “get everyone together person” for all family activities and maintained the old family home so that her brothers and sisters would always have a home in Fort Smith. Her memories will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to know her.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory her loving family, sister, Vanilla Jordan Ferguson; brothers, Carl Jordan Jr., Amos L. Jordan (Deborah) and Ivan D. Jordan (Amelia); nieces, Angela Billings Scaife (Tracy), Alyssa Ferguson, Andrea Ferguson, Amber Jordan; nephew, James Billings Jr. (Angela Renee); great-nieces, Jordan Ferguson, Christina Billings and Tyler Scaife; great-nephews, Tracy Scaife Jr., and Sha’Karee Scaife; a very special brother-in-law, James Billings Sr.; and many cousins, friends and godchildren.

Linda departed this life May 27, 2012, in her home.

Funeral service will be Saturday at St. James Missionary Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. G.L. Hinkle officiating.

Burial will be at Fort Coffee Cemetery under direction of Rowell-Parish Mortuary.

Pallbearers will be Sam Smith, Kevin Moore, Joel Sims, Michael Hinkle, Anthony Sauls and Kim Burns.

The body may be viewed Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the church, where the family will receive friends.