Carolyn S. Jordan

Carolyn Snyder Jordan, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. She was born on February 23, 1936, in Los Angeles, California to Lloyd Snyder and Grace Miller Snyder. Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics in 1957 and a Master of Arts in education in 1959 from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. She was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa sorority for women in the field of education. She earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Texas Tech School of Law in 1977. Following graduation from Stanford University in 1959, Carolyn began her career path in the defense industry. She was first employed with Hiller Helicopters, before transitioning to Lockheed Missile Systems. In her position at Lockheed, Carolyn was part of the Cold War "Space Race" -- she analyzed foreign rocket launch data. This effort was the beginning of the program destined to put men in outer space. After moving to Lubbock in 1964, Carolyn spent many years focusing on her family and volunteering with numerous organizations. Some of her more passionate endeavors included being a member of the American Association for University Women (AAUW); leading Campfire and Bluebird groups; spending over twenty years as a Sunday school teacher and leading vacation bible school; volunteering with the Friends of the Library; and being an active member of the Texas Democratic Women and League of Women Voters. In fact, she was the President of the League of Women Voters from 1970-1972. During her years in the League of Women Voters, Carolyn was encouraged to run for the Lubbock City Council. After winning the election in 1972, she became the first women to serve on the Lubbock City Council. She held this position for eight years. At this time, Lubbock was recovering from the devastating 1971 tornado. To help rebuild the town, Carolyn was involved in building initiatives including the Lubbock Memorial Civil Center, the Mahon Library, the canyon lakes project, and the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. While on City Council, Carolyn supported the town through a garbage strike and the finalization of Loop 289. From 1974 to 1976 she served as President of the South Plains Associate of Governments (SPAG). Carolyn was the 1980 Democratic Nominee to the Texas State Legislature but was not elected to that position. Carolyn made many lifelong friendships during this time of her life and spent her later years reminiscing and sharing fond memories with her loved ones. Carolyn practiced law in Lubbock from 1977 to 1986 before moving back to her home state of California. From 1986 to 2002, she taught mathematics at Franklin High School in Stockton. In 1990, she became the chair for the mathematics department. Also in 1990, she was a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Recipient-an accomplishment she was especially proud to announce. Throughout the 1990s, Carolyn continued her love of education and God by studying at the Claremont School of Theology. Carolyn began her pastoral journey in California at Sutter Creek UMC and Lockeford - Clements UMC. In 2002 she moved back to Lubbock and was appointed the Associate Pastor at St. John's United Methodist Church. In 2005, Reverend Carolyn Jordan was appointed the Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Levelland, Texas. She held this position until her retirement in 2013. Carolyn had many hobbies and interests throughout her life. Most notably, she enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, cooking, supporting the performing arts, teaching, and shopping. For years, she entered her roses at the South Plains Fair and won many blue-ribbons for their beauty-showcasing not only her affinity for plants, but her ability to grow even difficult plants in the dry climate of West Texas. Her love of learning and pursuit of knowledge (especially through reading) is a trait the entire family has inherited. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Grace, and sister, Christine (Chrissy) Snyder. Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters: Beth (Gary) Staley of Lubbock, and Cathy (Dave) Alt of Delaware; her grandchildren: Katie (Jonathan) Warren of Lubbock, Amie (Tommy) Henly of Lubbock, Stephen (Beth) Waters of Tennessee, Andy (Zoe) Alt of London, England, Carole Alt of Wisconsin, Tommy Staley of Dallas, and Chell Staley of Washington D.C.; her great-grandchildren: Evie and Rowen Henly, Liam Ford, and Haven Warren; and her beloved cousin, Donna Hoskin. Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Home Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00, Friday, June 28, 2024 in Sanders Memorial Chapel.

Carolyn S. Jordan

February 23, 1936 - June 5, 2024