Betty Jean Jordan

Betty Jean "BJ" Jordan of Stanardsville, formerly of Esmont, affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Nonnie”, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 5, 2026. She was born on March 16, 1936, in Fairfax, Virginia, the daughter of the late Celastine Colbert.

She grew up and went to school in North Carolina and Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elliott Jordan, formerly of Esmont, two daughters, Kris and Lil Jordan, and one brother, Charles Tyler.

Her legacy continues to live on through her son, Paul Jordan, and Dana of Stanardsville; and her daughter, Jeanne Carter, of Phoenix, Arizona. Cherished memories of hearty laughter, living room karaoke and dancing and delicious food are shared by her grandchildren, Blair Jordan of Atlanta, Ga., Allegra Lawler, her husband, Jake, and their children, Xander and Phoenix of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Airik Carter and his daughters, Armani, Brielle and Amiyah of Harrisonburg, Va., Amethyst Carter-Singh and her husband, Gurmeet, of Staunton, Va., Amber Carter of Chicago, Ill., and Skye Carter of Staunton, Va.; and one brother, William Tyler.

Betty attended Piedmont Virginia Community College and received an Early Childhood Teaching Certificate. She then worked for many years as the Lead Teacher for the Monticello Area Community Action Agency at the Esmont Head Start Center. Many children remembered her long after she retired. They would come up to her at church, in the grocery store in Scottsville, and even in Charlottesville, and tell stories of how special she made them feel and how much they loved her. That truly warmed her heart!

After the pandemic, she sold her home in Esmont and moved in with Dana and Paul. For the next few years, she spent many days right across the road with Dana’s mom, Miss Norma, and they formed a very special friendship. They enjoyed watching game shows, westerns (especially Walker, Texas Ranger) and movies together. She especially loved Norma and Dana’s home cooking! Miss Norma helped care for Betty until she moved into Greene Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.

Betty accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined the New Green Mountain Baptist Church. She really enjoyed matching her stylish, colored hats to her outfits for church services on Sundays. She served in the church for many years as the church clerk, Gospel Chorus choir member, Missionary Board president, Baptist Church Association delegate for the annual convention, and a Deaconess. What a woman, what a life well lived, and oh, what a legacy!

Due to inclement weather, delayed funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at New Green Mountain Baptist Church, 6751 Porters Road, Esmont, VA 22937.

Interment will follow the service at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Please join the family for a meal at the church after the interment, where they will receive friends and loved ones. Guests attending the service are asked to wear colorful hats in Betty’s honor!

Arrangements are entrusted to Batten Funeral Home of Ruckersville, Virginia.

An online guestbook is available at www.battenfuneral.com for those wishing to share memories or offer condolences. Your kind words will bring comfort and strength to the family during this time.