Mary Jewelene “Julie” Jordan, age 82, of Terre Haute, Indiana passed way Thursday, August 12, 2021 from brain cancer. She was born September 7, 1938 in Pueblo, KY to the late Huie and Dovie (Dick) Anderson of Fowler, Indiana.
Julie was a 1956 graduate of Freeland Park High School in Benton County and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English (1960) and a Master’s Degree (1964) at Indiana State University. She taught English and Journalism at the High School level for ten years. As an exceptional teacher and administrator, she challenged her students and colleagues to be the best in all their endeavors. In 1972, she joined the Hammond Times as a reporter.
The following year Julie returned to her Alma Mater (ISU) as a print media specialist in the Office of Communications Services. During the next 28 years, she served Indiana State in a variety of capacities; including Senior Editor and Associate Director of Communication Services, Manager of the University News Service, Associate Director of Public Information and Assistant Director of Public Affairs. She served on numerous University committees, most notably the Contemporary Music Festival Committee and the Commencement Committee. Julie was past president of the Wabash Valley Press Club and received their Meritorious Service Award in 1989, as well as being active in the Mental Health Association of Vigo County and Friends of the Arts. She was a board member of “OLLIE” Osher Life Long Learning Institute and served on the Hulman Regional Airport Advisory Planning Committee and the Aviation Committee of the Greater Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. She was named an honorary life member of the Indiana State University Union Board and an honorary Sparkette.
Julie had a passion for writing and photography (specifically scenic/landscapes, lighthouses, and covered bridges). One of her pictures was published in the 1976 photo festival in the National Observer Newspaper. She was a voracious reader of mystery novels and solving endless crossword puzzles. Julie’s love of travel with her friends led her on journeys throughout the U.S., Europe, Ireland, England, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean; which generated countless photo albums.
Later in life, she greatly enjoyed playing golf and was president of her league for seven years. She was thrilled to make a “Hole in one” in 2001 and received an engraved pewter plate and certificate from the PGA. Julie also was an ardent supporter of ISU’s women’s basketball, and delighted in being a member of the Red Hat Society of Brazil.
Julie was a kind and gentle soul. She will be remembered as a compassionate sister and a thoughtful a unt. She was preceded in death by her brothers Leland “Neal” Anderson of Santa Cruz, CA and Gary Anderson of Fowler, IN. Out of a family of ten children (of which six went on to graduate from ISU) she is survived by her brothers: Harold (Kay) Anderson, Calvin (Sharon) Anderson, Arvil (Janice) Anderson, and Dale (Nancy) Anderson. Surviving sisters are: Cledith (Don) Sondgerath, Andrea Messer, and Rosalie (Carl) Rodgers.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts & minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached, but never met.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 at Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN. Visitation from 12:00 – 1:00pm and the service at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Julie’s name may be made to the Huie & Dovie Anderson Memorial Scholarship at Indiana State University. Make checks payable to: ISU Foundation and reference Huie & Dovie Anderson Scholarship Fund. Mail to: ISU Foundation, 30 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN. 47809; or you may also make a donation to the American Cancer Society in Julie’s name.
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