Official Obituary of
Clara Maxine (Benavidez) Jordan
August 1, 1941 ~ March 30, 2025 (age 83) 83 Years Old
Clara Jordan Obituary
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and matriarch of the Jordan Family, Clara Maxine Jordan was called home by Our Lord, on March 30, 2025, at the age of 83. She peacefully departed this world surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and partner Michael "Mike" Mestas.
Our beautiful mom was born on August 1, 1941, in Montezuma, N.M., to Miguel and Abedona Benavidez. She held fond childhood memories of playing in the mountains (especially with her brother Horacio) and ice skating at the pond in Montezuma. Mom was an avid ice skater and was named "Skating Queen". She attended West Las Vegas High School where she was a cheerleader and graduated in 1960.
Shortly after graduation, mom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (October 1960). She shared stories of her time in the Marine Corps; stating, enlisting was one of the hardest and most fulfilling decisions she made in her lifetime. She was very proud to claim the title "United States Marine". She attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing basic training, mom was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro California and assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS). Mom achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. In April 1962, she was honorably discharged
While station at MCAS El Toro, mom met and married our father, Corporal Joseph Donald "JD" Jordan in March 1962. Together they raised a beautiful family of five children and shared many adventures and cherished memories.
Their oldest daughter, Donna Marie, was born in Santa Ana, California in February 1963. Following their military service, our parents moved to Cleveland, Mississippi and had their twin sons, Steve Paul and Gary David in September 1965. During a visit to moms' hometown of Montezuma, mom and dad learned about some land for sale in Gallinas. They purchased the land in the mid 60's and moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico shortly afterwards. In July of 1967, their youngest son Jonathan Jeffrey was born followed by their youngest daughter Patricia Faye Lynn in December 1974.
Mom was an exceptional cook, known for her Spanish meals. Specifically, her sopapillas, tortillas and carne adovada. She was also known for her southern meals, that she learned from her mother-in-law, our Mimi. When her children would call to inform her, they would be visiting, mom always took time to prepare their favorite meal. They were always made with lots of love.
Our mother was intellectual, intelligent, caring, generous, loving, understanding, forgiving, faithful, God fearing, patient, a great listener, helpful to anyone, funny/humorous, humble, strong, kind, meticulous, hardworking, big hearted and muti-talented. These are a just few words used to describe her.
Mom offered great advice, taught us many valuable lessons and shared several sayings with her children, grandchildren and other family members. Some of the more frequent sayings were, "Credit is better than gold", "Kill 'em with kindness", "Greater is He that's within, than he that is out in the world", "There is NOTHING that you and the Lord cannot do together", "Hold on tight to the Lords coattail", and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". We will forever hold these sayings close to our heart.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, mom was a devout and faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church both in Las Vegas, N.M. and Tome, N.M. When she lived in Las Vegas, mom volunteered to work several Crusillo Movements. In Tome, She was actively involved in her church serving as a lecturer, member of Legion of Mary and singing in the choir. She found solace in her prayers and devotion for her loved ones, praying Novenas for them, especially her children and their families. Her wisdom and guidance will forever be cherished by them.
Every night at 7:30 p.m., mom prayed the Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica on EWTN (her favorite channel) at times she was accompanied by her sisters or daughters. She missed praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with her son Steve. However, she found comfort praying with her sisters, daughters and other family members.
One day, when Donna and Jonathan were visiting mom, she shared the following story with them. "It was Christmas time, and a little girl prayed for a bicycle. Her dad asked her what she wanted, and she told him. The dad was sad, because he couldn't afford one. The little girl continued to pray. On Christmas morning, the excited little girl hurried into the living room. There was no bicycle. The dad said, "see honey, God didn't answer your prayer". The little girl replied, YES, he did daddy, he said "No".
This story has a very important, powerful and resonating message and we understand why our precious momma shared this story with us when she did. We all had been praying for a miracle, that mom would remain with us however much longer Our Lord would loan her to us. We always ended our prayers with "Our Lord's Will Be Done" and/or "According to Your Will Lord". We now realize, like the little girl in mom's story, Our Lord answered our prayers.
He said "NO". We sincerely believe He needed/wanted mom and that is why He said "No" to our countless prayers.
Mom and Michael "Mike" were hired on with Social Security Administration in Albuquerque and in 1998, mom retired after 26 years. Mom and Mike shared 40 memorable years of their lives together, making countless memories. During which they spent time traveling to Nevada (Las Vegas and Laughlin), golfing, playing bingo and going to the casino. Both worked for Southwest Airlines out of Albuquerque, earning free flights, which they took advantage of to visit her children and travel across the states.
Mom is preceded in death by her father Miguel, mother Abedona, beloved son Steve Paul Jordan, former husband JD, brother's Ben and Bobby, sister Maria "Mary", sister in-law Sadie, brother in-law Lloyd and several family members. Mom was also preceded in death by close friends, Pita, Diana, Betty and Gloria.
She is survived by her partner Mike, daughters Donna Marie of Salt Lake City, Patricia Faye Lynn of Albuquerque, sons David Gary (Liz "Beautiful") and Jonathan Jeffrey (Sharon "Babydoll") from Gallinas Canyon. Grandchildren, Joseph, Jazminn, Brandyn (Stephanie), Briana (Mel), Bradlee, Ezekiel (Jenna), Kendell (Jeff), Zebadiah (Angelique), Nathan (Justine), Zachary, Hunter, Mariah (Chris), Jezzria, Kenyen and Amber. Great grandchildren Delilah, Nehemiah "Nem", Zion (due May 2025), Julian, Liam, Milo Bruce, Indiana "Indy". Sister Vickie, brothers Horacio and Tony (Cathy) and brother-in-law John. Also, Darda (Mike's cousin) and the members of the Maestas family.
Our mom will always and forever be remembered as a beacon of Love and Strength… "The Wind Beneath Our Wings". May she rest in eternal peace and May perpetual light shine upon her.
Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Las Vegas, NM (811 6th Street). Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Mass, April 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Internment services will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Date and time to be determined later.
The Jordan family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the VA Community Living Center in Albuquerque. Amber, Brad, Jessica, Katie, Nancy, Eden, Jennifer, Tom, Daniaus, Alex, Sarah, Sabrina, Sandia, Abby, Brooke, Berverlyn, Blanca, Jose, Wanda, Toni, Linda, Alisha, Angelica, Dana, Liz, Irene, Trina, Dr. Marty and Larry and his shih tzu's
The Jordan Family also wished to extend their heartfelt gratitude to thank Carlos, Vicky and Mary at The Fisher House, for providing a home away from home.
We are forever grateful for all these wonderful people. Each provided gentle care, unwavering support and allowed us to spend precious quality time with our mom.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Noblin Funeral Services 2211-D Main St SE, Los Lunas, NM 87031. Please visit our online website www.noblinfuneralservice.com to sign the online register book.
Our beautiful mom was born on August 1, 1941, in Montezuma, N.M., to Miguel and Abedona Benavidez. She held fond childhood memories of playing in the mountains (especially with her brother Horacio) and ice skating at the pond in Montezuma. Mom was an avid ice skater and was named "Skating Queen". She attended West Las Vegas High School where she was a cheerleader and graduated in 1960.
Shortly after graduation, mom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (October 1960). She shared stories of her time in the Marine Corps; stating, enlisting was one of the hardest and most fulfilling decisions she made in her lifetime. She was very proud to claim the title "United States Marine". She attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing basic training, mom was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro California and assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS). Mom achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. In April 1962, she was honorably discharged
While station at MCAS El Toro, mom met and married our father, Corporal Joseph Donald "JD" Jordan in March 1962. Together they raised a beautiful family of five children and shared many adventures and cherished memories.
Their oldest daughter, Donna Marie, was born in Santa Ana, California in February 1963. Following their military service, our parents moved to Cleveland, Mississippi and had their twin sons, Steve Paul and Gary David in September 1965. During a visit to moms' hometown of Montezuma, mom and dad learned about some land for sale in Gallinas. They purchased the land in the mid 60's and moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico shortly afterwards. In July of 1967, their youngest son Jonathan Jeffrey was born followed by their youngest daughter Patricia Faye Lynn in December 1974.
Mom was an exceptional cook, known for her Spanish meals. Specifically, her sopapillas, tortillas and carne adovada. She was also known for her southern meals, that she learned from her mother-in-law, our Mimi. When her children would call to inform her, they would be visiting, mom always took time to prepare their favorite meal. They were always made with lots of love.
Our mother was intellectual, intelligent, caring, generous, loving, understanding, forgiving, faithful, God fearing, patient, a great listener, helpful to anyone, funny/humorous, humble, strong, kind, meticulous, hardworking, big hearted and muti-talented. These are a just few words used to describe her.
Mom offered great advice, taught us many valuable lessons and shared several sayings with her children, grandchildren and other family members. Some of the more frequent sayings were, "Credit is better than gold", "Kill 'em with kindness", "Greater is He that's within, than he that is out in the world", "There is NOTHING that you and the Lord cannot do together", "Hold on tight to the Lords coattail", and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". We will forever hold these sayings close to our heart.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, mom was a devout and faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church both in Las Vegas, N.M. and Tome, N.M. When she lived in Las Vegas, mom volunteered to work several Crusillo Movements. In Tome, She was actively involved in her church serving as a lecturer, member of Legion of Mary and singing in the choir. She found solace in her prayers and devotion for her loved ones, praying Novenas for them, especially her children and their families. Her wisdom and guidance will forever be cherished by them.
Every night at 7:30 p.m., mom prayed the Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica on EWTN (her favorite channel) at times she was accompanied by her sisters or daughters. She missed praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with her son Steve. However, she found comfort praying with her sisters, daughters and other family members.
One day, when Donna and Jonathan were visiting mom, she shared the following story with them. "It was Christmas time, and a little girl prayed for a bicycle. Her dad asked her what she wanted, and she told him. The dad was sad, because he couldn't afford one. The little girl continued to pray. On Christmas morning, the excited little girl hurried into the living room. There was no bicycle. The dad said, "see honey, God didn't answer your prayer". The little girl replied, YES, he did daddy, he said "No".
This story has a very important, powerful and resonating message and we understand why our precious momma shared this story with us when she did. We all had been praying for a miracle, that mom would remain with us however much longer Our Lord would loan her to us. We always ended our prayers with "Our Lord's Will Be Done" and/or "According to Your Will Lord". We now realize, like the little girl in mom's story, Our Lord answered our prayers.
He said "NO". We sincerely believe He needed/wanted mom and that is why He said "No" to our countless prayers.
Mom and Michael "Mike" were hired on with Social Security Administration in Albuquerque and in 1998, mom retired after 26 years. Mom and Mike shared 40 memorable years of their lives together, making countless memories. During which they spent time traveling to Nevada (Las Vegas and Laughlin), golfing, playing bingo and going to the casino. Both worked for Southwest Airlines out of Albuquerque, earning free flights, which they took advantage of to visit her children and travel across the states.
Mom is preceded in death by her father Miguel, mother Abedona, beloved son Steve Paul Jordan, former husband JD, brother's Ben and Bobby, sister Maria "Mary", sister in-law Sadie, brother in-law Lloyd and several family members. Mom was also preceded in death by close friends, Pita, Diana, Betty and Gloria.
She is survived by her partner Mike, daughters Donna Marie of Salt Lake City, Patricia Faye Lynn of Albuquerque, sons David Gary (Liz "Beautiful") and Jonathan Jeffrey (Sharon "Babydoll") from Gallinas Canyon. Grandchildren, Joseph, Jazminn, Brandyn (Stephanie), Briana (Mel), Bradlee, Ezekiel (Jenna), Kendell (Jeff), Zebadiah (Angelique), Nathan (Justine), Zachary, Hunter, Mariah (Chris), Jezzria, Kenyen and Amber. Great grandchildren Delilah, Nehemiah "Nem", Zion (due May 2025), Julian, Liam, Milo Bruce, Indiana "Indy". Sister Vickie, brothers Horacio and Tony (Cathy) and brother-in-law John. Also, Darda (Mike's cousin) and the members of the Maestas family.
Our mom will always and forever be remembered as a beacon of Love and Strength… "The Wind Beneath Our Wings". May she rest in eternal peace and May perpetual light shine upon her.
Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Las Vegas, NM (811 6th Street). Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy, April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Mass, April 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Internment services will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Date and time to be determined later.
The Jordan family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the VA Community Living Center in Albuquerque. Amber, Brad, Jessica, Katie, Nancy, Eden, Jennifer, Tom, Daniaus, Alex, Sarah, Sabrina, Sandia, Abby, Brooke, Berverlyn, Blanca, Jose, Wanda, Toni, Linda, Alisha, Angelica, Dana, Liz, Irene, Trina, Dr. Marty and Larry and his shih tzu's
The Jordan Family also wished to extend their heartfelt gratitude to thank Carlos, Vicky and Mary at The Fisher House, for providing a home away from home.
We are forever grateful for all these wonderful people. Each provided gentle care, unwavering support and allowed us to spend precious quality time with our mom.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Noblin Funeral Services 2211-D Main St SE, Los Lunas, NM 87031. Please visit our online website www.noblinfuneralservice.com to sign the online register book.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clara Maxine (Benavidez) Jordan, please visit our floral store.
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