Barbara Jane Jordan-Estell

Barbara Jane “BJ” Jordan-Estell was born November 8, 1938, in Fort Scott, KS to Robert Johnson and Willa Dee Sanders.  She was the oldest of four children.   

She moved to Kansas City, KS at a young age and attended KCK public schools, where she was a proud member of Sumner High School Class of 1956.  She worked various jobs throughout her life, always in service-related fields.  

After retiring twice, BJ realized that she wanted to remain active and be around people, so in 2020 she started working as a member engagement representative at the Providence YMCA.  She received an award in 2022 for being one of their top employees.  She took pride in greeting each guest by their first name when they walked in the door.  

She is faithful and loves Jesus with all her heart –         Matthew 22:37 

BJ was a member of Trinity AME Church for almost 70 years, where she served faithfully until her death.  She was a Steward Board member and Communion Steward/Stewardess for many years as well as a member of various other church organizations including Allen Ferguson Women’s Missionary Society, Cleo B. Love Hall of Fame, Lay Organization, Paramount Workers, Class Leader, and church secretary for 13 years.   She also served in her community and was an Executive Board member of the KCK Branch of the NAACP. 

She is a loving mother, and her children call her blessed – Proverbs 31:38 

She loved her family with all her heart and was the proud mother of 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  As a true matriarch, she embraced countless others who became part of her extended family. 

She serves others with love and kindness – Proverbs 31:20 

BJ had a spirit of hospitality – she loved cooking for family and friends, always willing to bless others with a delicious, homecooked meal.  She even spent her last day preparing 12 loaves of zucchini bread to share with others. 

She takes care of her physical, mental, and spiritual health – Philippians 4:13 

BJ took pride in her appearance and was truly a fashionista.  She was always dressed to impress – nails done, hair on point, including a mask that matched every outfit.  She was an avid learner, always doing things to keep her mind sharp.  And she was a true sports fan that enjoyed watching any and every sport that was on television, but she was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. 

BJ was proceeded in death by her parents, one son, Victor Hollinshed, one daughter, Kelly Limon, and two sisters, Margaret Anderson, and Sandra Hussey. 

She is survived by: sons - Jeffrey (Felisa) Bradley, Carlton “Robert” Bradley, and David Bradley; daughters – Gayle Jackson, Cynthia Hollinshed, and Stephanie (Willie) Tallie; one brother – Don Reed; grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Jane Jordan-Estell, please visit our floral store.