Oretha Sweed Jordan

Oretha Sweed Jordan, loving mother and wife, received her crown on February 16, 2026 surrounded by her family.

First Lady Oretha Jordan was born on December 6, 1947 in Lubbock, Texas to George Sweed, Sr and Deborah Rasberry and raised in Coleman, Texas with her siblings by their grandmother Lucy Julia Richardson. Oretha was always a sweet, loving, determined and progressive minded individual. She loved learning, believed highly in education and never met a stranger in conversation. She absolutely loved getting to know people and making others feel welcomed - as a pastor's wife, a teacher and in all aspects of her life. She was a woman of God who lived according to the word and embodied the scripture of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31).

Before moving to and settling in Abilene, Texas, Oretha married Jerry L. Jordan, also of Coleman, Texas. Together they were blessed with four children - Aaron Jordan, Riccardo (Ricky) Jordan, Bridget Jordan and Alicia Jordan (Johnson). Oretha achieved many accomplishments throughout her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and dedicated 33 years to the field of Special Education. As an outstanding teacher at Taylor Elementary School, she touched the lives of countless students and families. Her excellence and devotion to her profession were recognized when she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2011.

Beyond her impact in education, Oretha faithfully served for 40 years as First Lady of Faith Deliverance Community Church. In that role, she lovingly guided and mentored countless women and children, helping to lead many to Christ through her teaching, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She was truly a woman of God who carried herself with grace and excellence in all she did. Her beautiful spirit and steadfast love for God were evident to all who knew her, and her influence continues to be felt by many lives she touched around the world.

Another role dear to Oretha's heart was that of an ever loving and devoted grandma and great grandma to eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Oretha was preceded in death by her parents, father George Sweed, Sr and grandmother Lucy Julia Richardson; her beloved sisters Georgette Jackson-Mayberry and Bobbie Lue Tutt; her beloved son Ricky Jordan and nephew Ernest Jackson, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Pastor Jerry L. Jordan; children Aaron Jordan (Cynthia), Bridget Jordan, and Alicia Johnson (Andre); grandchildren Michael, Shavelle, Aaron, Brittny, Briana, Jordan, Dee and Aicila; great grandchildren K'Mya, Ayden, Bryson, Jalina, Khloe, Cassius and Khali ; her sister Mattie Ann Redden Williams, nieces Trena Williams, Kenja Anthony, Frederick Jackson, Cicily, Tynesha and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.