Obituary of Jordan "Kermit" Wilson

For those who wish to view the livestream service please go to https://vimeo.com/event/4748420 On your browser His Foundation and Family Jordan Kermit Wilson, Sr. was born on March 20, 1938, in Carthage, North Carolina, to the late Claude Patrick Wilson and the late Sophia Ritter Wilson.  He was the third of eleven children, nine of whom preceded him in death, and was named after his Maternal Grandfather.   When Kermit lost his mother at the tender age of 13, he went to live with his grandparents, Papa Jordan and Mama Nora, on a hundred-acre farm in the rural town of Robbins, North Carolina. It was an incredibly difficult time for Kermit and his ten siblings, as they went from living together under one roof to being scattered across different households. Though Kermit was expected to contribute to the farm’s daily activities, he quickly developed a strong preference for academics over agriculture.  Kermit’s focus and the loving support and encouragement from both his maternal and paternal aunts paid off, as he graduated early from Pinkney High School and later attended Livingstone College, a private Historically Black College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.  This was an extraordinary achievement by any measure, but especially for a Black man in the 1950's, a time when racial barriers in education and society were formidable. He later pursued a Master’s of Science in Computer Science.  After graduating, Kermit discovered his true passion in academia, starting his career as a mathematics teacher in Lumberton, North Carolina. It was here that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Green of Wilmington, North Carolina.  Kermit often said it was love at first sight. Kermit and Dot were married in August 1960.  Together, they had three beautiful children: Jordan, Jeffrey, and Janene. Seeking greater opportunities, Kermit and his close friend, the late William McIver, responded to a local newspaper ad for teaching positions in Plainview, New York. After both were hired, Kermit and Dot moved to Long Island, New York, where they bought a home in North Babylon, a place Kermit would call home for the next 55 years.   Kermit so loved his children and extended family, which included his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and the many friends who always remained a constant in his life.  Kermit served as a surrogate father to numerous nieces and nephews throughout the years, with his Long Island family always looking forward to the summer months, when so many relatives would come to stay with Kermit to receive his guidance and wisdom and partake in fun.  Oh, the fun! His Final Rest As Kermit’s health declined, he was cared for by his eldest son, Jordan, a constant companion and caregiver. Kermit is survived by his three children Jordan Kermit Wilson, Jr. of North Babylon, NY, Jeffrey Kendrick Wilson (Leslie) of Wheatley Heights, NY and Janene Wilson Hawkins (David) of Trumbull, CT; grandchildren, Joi Kristina Wilson, Jeffrey Kendrick Wilson, Jr.,  Shelby Alexis Helene Hawkins, and Kendal Allyse Dorothy Hawkins; one sister, Joan Haskins and one brother, Lawrence Wilson; two aunts, Marjorie Brown of Bridgeport, CT and Frankie Peace of Durham, NC, goddaughter Cassandra Williams Metz (Lloyd) and a host of his many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. All of these he loved and touched deeply. Celebration of Life Service will take place at Shaw Temple AME Zion Church on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 located at the corner of Albany Avenue and 44th Street in Amityville, NY. The Wake will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Services at 11:00 am, officiated by Reverend Dr. David Robinson. Interment will occur at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. A repass will be held immediately after the interment at 2:00 pm at the VFW Post 2912, located at 19 Colonial Springs Rd, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798. In lieu of flowers and in honor of our father and his unwavering commitment to education, we invite you to make a donation to Livingstone College in his memory. Your generous contribution will help continue his legacy of fostering knowledge and growth, ensuring that future generations have access to the quality education he so passionately believed in. Thank you for your support in keeping this vision alive. Checks can be mailed to: Livingstone College Office of Alumni Affairs Att: Jordan Kermit Wilson, Sr. 701 West Monroe Street Salisbury, NC 28144