Mary was born Jan. 22, 1952, in Mattoon, IL, a daughter of Burr and Marie (Whightsil) Hall of Arcola. She married Robert Jordan on Sept. 1, 1973; he survives.
Also surviving are three daughters: Tara (Daniel) Steinert of Tuscola, IL, Emmy (Andrew) Dowden of Brocton, IL and Carrie (Jared) Kass of Westfield, IN.; six grandchildren: Nixon and Severin Steinert, Jordan and Jamison Dowden and Avery and Gavin Kass; twelve sisters: Linda Abbott, Diana Runner, Patsy Moutria, Janet Meadows, Debbie Thomas, Pam Kutz, Cindy Johnson, Kathy Hall, Ellen Skelton, Karen Keller, Jane Block and Bonnie Coyne; six brothers: Butch Hall, Gene Hall, Les Hall, Duane Hall, Rick Hall and Earl Hall; a brother-in-law, Thomas Jordan of Champaign; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
A graduate of Arcola High School and Eastern Illinois University, Mary started her career teaching at Oakland High School. From 1984 until 2014, she taught at Oakland's Lake Crest Elementary School, where she was a favorite teacher to many.
She was a member of the Oakland Christian Church and served as Sargent Township Clerk. For more than 35 years, she was a member of the Bunco Babes. She enjoyed outings with her Ya Ya Girls and lunches with her fellow Oakland retired teachers.
A great listener with a quick wit, easy smile and friendly demeanor, Mary was a beloved friend to many. She was generous with her time and energy, and had a knack for making every person in her presence feel special.
Mary was considered a close friend by many. She loved to entertain at their home. Her animated storytelling and outgoing personality made her a favorite at any gathering.
She was a hard worker whose flower gardens were always weed-free and kitchen was always spotless. She was just as comfortable getting dirty on the farm as she was dressing up with a big purse in tow to attend social outings with her many friends.
Most of all, Mary was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, always giving of herself for her family and their friends. She especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren, attempting to be there for birthdays to first days of school and everything in between.
Even in her last months, Mary taught lessons in bravery, generosity and gracefulness. She truly loved life and people, and she made the most of the time she had until the very end.
Her kindness and love will be dearly missed by many near and far.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2016 from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, with the family present after 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Embarrass Cemetery. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Mary Jordan Education Scholarship fund.
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