Ms. Eris Deanne Jordan's Obituary
Celebrating a Queen of our Village
Service, Excellence, Class and Dignity define the life of Eris Deanne Jordan (April 6, 1946 – January 28,
2023)!
Our beloved Eris Deanne Jordan transitioned from labor to reward Saturday, January 28, 2023, at
Anderson Hospital in Meridian, MS. There was nothing ordinary about Eris…Rather, it would only take a
brief moment in her presence to realize that she was EXTRA-ORDINARY!
Eris’s love for the City of Meridian and its people never wavered. A native Meridianite, “Eris Deanne”
was the proud daughter of Lorena Elizabeth Barrett Jordan and Y.C. Jordan. The old African proverb
reminds us “It takes a village to raise a child”, and Eris was fortunate and blessed to be raised by a
“village” of extended family members, caring neighbors, loving church members and dedicated
teachers.
Eris was a proud product of Meridian Public Schools, having attended Wechsler and Carver Junior High
Schools before graduating with honors from T.J. Harris High School in 1964. After high school, she
attended Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, TX where she was actively involved in campus life. In
1968, Eris became a Cum Laude graduate, earning her B.A. in Social Science and Secondary Education.
Eris would later receive her Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Mississippi State
University and furthered her studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
As a school counselor at Meridian High School from 1982 to 2010, Eris Jordan (AKA Ms. Brown)
seized every opportunity to have tough conversations and serve as a passionate advocate for the
students for whom she served. Being mentored by Eris Jordan meant that youth learned how to speak
clearly, organize and present speeches, and advocate for humanity. Ultimately, these life skills were
absorbed by “her children”, and they now distinguishably serve in their respective careers in
hospitality; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), education, sports, arts and
entertainment, and more.
Eris was raised in St. Paul United Methodist Church and remained a faithful, dedicated, and active
member for the duration of her life. At St. Paul, she served her beloved church in various capacities,
including worship leader, choir director, and founder of the Sweet Spirits Inspirational Choir.
Eris Jordan was an EVENT COORDINATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE! She understood the importance of
celebrating accomplishments and life’s milestones and had a signature flair that all expected to experience
when they attended any of her events. It didn’t matter if the event was going to be at her home or one of
her friends’ homes, all involved were going to do it right, “dotting all i’s and crossing all t’s”.
On Saturday January 28, 2023, Eris transitioned into life eternal.
Those who now cherish her memory are her son Craig Steven Brown, goddaughters Eris TeCordia
“Little Eris” Sims and Dr. Jamese Dacia “Baby Girl” Sims.
Her sister-friends Georgia Mae Sims, Deborah Parker, Shannon Miller, Alberta Mosley, Nora Kelly,
and Cassandra Turney, better known as “The Divas” will miss her dearly, along with a host of other
relatives and friends that live on to honor her legacy.
Through her children Kletina Stennis Campbell, Joni Crenshaw Taylor, Jonas Crenshaw, Jr., Dr. Shana
Parker Wakefield, Dr. Otis Gowdy, Tabitha Parker Dubose, JaJuan Parker, Judge Veldore Young
Graham, Rev. Eugene Boger, Angela Jones, St. Paul youth group, and graduates of Meridian High
School, it was her hope that her goals and life lessons would live on through them.
In times of change and uncertainty, her attitude was, “flip that page and move on to the next chapter” –
meaning you’ve done all that you can, let it go and move on to what’s next!
“Keep on living. Make it a great day or not - the choice is yours” ~ Eris Deanne Jordan
What’s your fondest memory of Eris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eris?
Share a story where Eris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eris you’ll never forget.
How did Eris make you smile?