February 9, 2025, 74, Goldsboro —
Willo Jean Jordan, affectionately known as “Willa” or “Jean,” peacefully departed this life on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Goldsboro, NC. Born in Wayne County, NC, to the late Willo and Mary Jane Parks Whitfield, she lived a life devoted to her faith and service to others.
Jean was a proud graduate of Carver High School in Mount Olive, NC, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Saint Augustine’s University. Known as “Ms. Jordan” to her students, she dedicated 50 years to shaping young minds as an educator, always leading with care, patience, and unwavering devotion.
Beyond the classroom, Jean was deeply involved in her community and church. She served as President of Women’s Aglow, President of the Saint Augustine’s University Wayne County Alumni Chapter, an officer of the Mount Olive Carver Alumni and Friends Association, and a Deaconess at Harvest Fellowship Church, among other leadership roles. A woman of great faith, she was known for praying over her students and those around her, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Jean was preceded in death by her sisters Coleather Whitfield, Annie Mae Maye, Doris Whitfield, and Mary Fowlkes, and her brother Samuel Whitfield, Sr. She leaves behind a loving legacy in her surviving family, son of the home Alphonzo Jordan, Jr. four sisters Mary Lou Whitfield of Suitland, MD, Brenda Allen and Belinda Whitfield of Goldsboro, NC, and Almenter Pickett (Jacob) of Dudley, NC; three brothers Ronald Whitfield (Delphine) of Dudley, NC, Ted Whitfield (Alicia) of Goldsboro, NC, and Willo Whitfield, Jr. of Cordova, TN. She also leaves behind her special friends Cynthia Worrell and Melba Hill, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will cherish her memory forever.
Jean’s unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to others will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home with burial afterwards at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley.
Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
