Essie Mae Jordan was the fourth of six children born to Ben and Pearline Axel on January 28, 1927 in Granger, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Ben, Claude, and Clifton (Joe Lewis) Axel and two sisters, Joan Elders, and Norma Childs, granddaughter, Regina Axel, and great grandson, Tyson Arreola.

Sis. Jordan accepted Christ at an early age, moved to California before returning to Corpus Christi and was an active member of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church until her health declined in 2018.  She served as a Greeter, Sunday school student, and member of the Senior Mission. Her hobbies included reading, especially the Bible, cooking, and sewing. She was well known for her dress attire and immaculate hats.

She leaves to cherish her two sons Rev. Claude (Belinda) and Clifton Axel, and eight grandchildren, Chandra, Tony, Tammy, Paul, Jacquez, Jacoby, Antares, 16 great grandchildren, and six special nieces (Shirley, Sheila Axel, Joan Hamilton, Pam and Linda Tyler, and Cynthia Sanders, and 5 nephews.