Diane Jordan

Sheila (Diane) Jordan passed away from a short illness February 8, 2026. Diane was born in Knoxville, TN on March 9, 1947, to Ernestine F. Taylor and James Anderson. Diane graduated from Austin High School in 1965. She attended Knoxville College and Tennessee State College where she majored in Mathematics.

Diane was employed by Delta Airlines as a reservationist for 22 years. In 1989,Diane was appointed to Knox County Election Commission by State Representative Joe Armstrong. She was the first African American woman to be elected to the Knox County Commission, where she served 4 terms from 1994 -2007. She spent her time in elected office advocating for education, economic equity and voting rights. Diane helped to bring Pellissippi State College Campus to East Knoxville, she served on the board of Beck Culture Exchange Center, the Austin-Austin East Association, was a member of the Red Hat Society, Concerned Mothers, Motley Crew Community Luncheon-Knoxville since 2017.  On July 22, 2017 the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislatures renamed a state bridge in Diane’s honor, she was also a Knox County Sheriff Special Deputy are just to name a few of her community service involvements.

As a woman of faith one of her most cherished roles was serving as First Lady of Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband, Rev. John B. Jordan, Sr. for 31 years. She lived her faith as she opened her home and her heart to numerous family members, friends and those in need; her home was their home. Diane is preceded in death by her mother, father, two brothers: Kevin T. Taylor Sr. and Ronald Anderson, one sister: Patricia Hatch, Aunts: Nema Easterly and Iva Lattimore, Uncles: William and C.J. Taylor, Brother-in-law: J.D. Smith.

She leaves to mourn her passing: Husband: Rev. John B. Jordan Sr., loving sons: Toi Melvin, Michael (Priscilla) Badgett, Jamal (LeeAnn) Badgett, Josh (daughter Camilla) Jordan and John Jr. (Belinda) Jordan, Sisters: Cynthia Smith, Knox, TN, Jamesena Yip, Phyllis Jones of Philadelphia, PA, Grandchildren: Toqushia Melvin including 14 other grandchildren, Sister-in-laws: Tina Robinson, Candice Miller, and Diann Freeman, Brothers-in-law: Rev. Ricky (Connie) Freeman, and James (Bull) Jordan, Devoted nieces and nephews: Sherry Taylor, Shekia (Ashaundae) Bowen, Kevin (LaToyia) Taylor Jr., Troy (Torrie) Hatch, Angela (Clarence) Billingsley of Atlanta, Valrie Fugate of Chattanooga, Robin (Eric) Clark of Iowa, Milton, Sean, Allen, Michael, Mark, Tony and Victoria Yip, Devoted cousins: Charlotte (Shalickey) Taylor, Freda (Willie J.) Johnson, Anthony & Leonard Lattimore, Angela Satterfield, Jackie Flack, and Michelle Little, the McBath, Anderson and E.V. Boseman family of South Carolina, the Warren and Penson families and many, many other family member too numerous to name. Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church Family Godchildren: The Blue Family, and JaBarr Whitehead, Devoted friends: Judy Burke, Ella Fortson, Darlene Siler, Gail Carter, Carla Ballenger-Stubbs, Rosa & Jackie Jones, and Marla Higginbotham.

The family would like to say a specials “Thank you” to the caring staff at University of Tennessee Medical Center.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Lady Diane Jordan, remember to live and love like she did. Keep God first, love your family and serve your community.

There will be a celebration of life at Overcoming Believers Church 211 Harriet Tubman St, Knoxville TN 37915 on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00am to 1:00pm with services following. Reverend Harold Middlebrook officiating. Interment will be Monday, February 23rd at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy,Knoxville, TN 37920. Service time to be announced.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary 2823 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914