Wanda Jordan

Although she was taken from her loved ones too soon, Wanda Jordan was a blessing to everyone she met. She experienced so many of the best things in life, but what made these things truly extraordinary was sharing them with the ones she loved. Wanda was married to the love of her life, and together they were blessed with three boys who meant the world to them. Things only became better when she became a grandmother, and there was nothing she treasured more than being surrounded by her loved ones. Deeply loved, Wanda will be forever missed.

The 1960s were an exciting time in America. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, and by the end of end of the decade we had put the first man on the moon. Televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and with shows like Father Knows Best, our perception of the average American family was more visual than it had ever been. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Harold and Edeath (McClemore) Nix as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of June began to unfold in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1964. Their wait was over on June 16th when the baby girl they named Wanda L. drew her first breath. She was the third of six children to be raised in the family home in Lawton as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Harold, Shane, Steve, Glenda, and Laura.

Growing up, Wanda was full of life. Her father worked in construction while her mother was a homemaker. As a young girl Wanda enjoyed the outdoors among other activities. She attended her local school, where she was a good student. Wanda went on to graduate from Lawton High School in 1983.

New and exciting changes were in store for Wanda when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Robert Jordan, and he was two years younger and attended Decatur. Their first date was salmon fishing in Allegan, and they hit if off right away. It wasn’t too long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Wanda and Robert were married on September 18, 1993. Their family was made complete with the addition of three boys: Justin, Jon, and Jake.

More than anything, Wanda treasured her family. She was always cooking and baking, and her biscuits were legendary. Wanda was a mother to additional kids as well. Many of her sons’ cousins looked to her as a motherly figure. She especially loved the holidays, and most years everyone gathered at their house as their home was the family gathering place. Christmas was Wanda’s favorite time of year. She and Robert were at all of their boys’ events and activities over the years.

Throughout her life Wanda was one who preferred to be busy. Her love for ice fishing remained, and she often ice fished in Marcellus. As a lover of sunshine and summer, Wanda also enjoyed mushrooming hunting. Wanda was a country music fan and attended some concerts over the years including Vince Gill and her favorite performer, Tracy Chapman. Most years they camped locally for Memorial Day, which was the perfect fit for Wanda since she loved the outdoors. In her downtime, she enjoyed watching old westerns and shows like The Walton’s and Little House on the Prairie. Wanda also liked jigsaw puzzles, and every year someone usually got her one for Christmas. She loved garage sales and did some antiquing. Most times, Wanda found some treasures for her grandchildren. In fact, she spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren, and every time she saw them she left them with toys and baskets of sweets.

Life became more difficult for Wanda and her loved ones when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past May. She fought hard, and her family continued to treasure every moment they had to spend together. Just three weeks ago she was baptized by her sons at Liberty Chapel in Dowagiac.

With unending love for her family and friends, Wanda Jordan was a blessing to everyone she met. She was never one to shy away from speaking her mind as she could give tough love when needed. Generous and hospitable, Wanda made sure no one ever went hungry. She cherished her roles as a wife and mother, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother. Life will never be the same without Wanda here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Wanda L. Jordan, of Marcellus, passed away in Kalamazoo. Wanda’s family includes her husband, Robert Jordan; 3 sons: Justin (Erica) Nix, Jon (Rachel) Nix and Jake (Cassie) Jordan; 7 grandchildren: Ethan, Elijah, Bronson, Brynlee, Hunter, Jaycee and Westyn; father, Harold Nix; 4 siblings: Shane (Theresa) Nix, Steve (Mary) Nix, Glenda (David) Jordan, and Laura (Mark) Saylor, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Wanda was preceded in death by her mother, Edeath “Edis,” and brother, Harold Nix. Visit with family and friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton. Please visit Wanda’s personal web page at www.betzlerfuneralhome.com, where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation.