Clara Ella Leftenant Jordan was born on September 4, 1935 in Amityville, NY to the late James Sr. and Eunice Leftenant. Clara, along with all 12 of her brothers and sisters, became a much beloved neighbor, teacher, friend by the Amityville and Long Island community where she spent most of her childhood and adult life.
Clara’s talent as a singer was evident from an early age and at the age of sixteen she began taking classical, professional voice lessons on Long Island and in Manhattan. After graduating from Amityville High School, Clara continued her pursuit of a music career and graduated from Hofstra College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Upon graduation, Clara returned to her hometown to become an elementary school music teacher in the Amityville Public Schools where she taught for over 30 years until retirement.
In December 1958, Clara Ella Leftenant and Phillip A. Jordan, Jr. were married at Bethel AME Church, Amityville, NY and to this blessed union one son and three daughters were born; Phillip A. Jordan III of Raleigh, NC; Eunice C. Jordan of North Babylon, NY; Amy K. Jordan of Springfield, MA and Crystal D. Jordan of New York, New York.
During Clara’s lifetime she performed on national tours as a professional singer. Throughout her life, she sang with various choral groups: Babylon Chorale of Babylon, New York; Great Day Chorale of Brooklyn, NY; The Baltimore Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, Maryland and the Moore County Choral Society of Southern Pines, North Carolina, where she served on the Board of Directors. Many churches of many denominations were awed by her beautiful voice. Family and friends cherished her rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. Clara was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of North Amityville, NY.
Clara was a lifetime member of Bethel AME. Before moving to Southern Pines, North Carolina, Clara attended Bethel AME Church in Babylon, NY and attended Saint Joseph AME in Aberdeen, North Carolina.
Clara leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of fifty-nine years, Phillip; her son Phillip A. Jordan III; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Jordan; her grandson, Phillip A. Jordan, IV; granddaughter, Angelia Jordan; her daughters, Eunice C. Jordan, Amy K. Jordan and Crystal D. Jordan; her sisters, Nancy L. Colon and Amy M. Leftenant and a host of family, friends and former students. Clara was predeceased by her beloved parents: James and Eunice Leftenant; six brothers: James Jr., Louie, Herbert, Charles, and Samuel Leftenant; and five sisters; Orana Brewster, Gabriella Crews, Mary Leftenant, and Joan Leftenant Jackson.
Arrangements for services are incomplete at Powell Funeral Home.
Online condolences: PinesFunerals.com.
Mrs. Jordan’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
