Ellena Jordan Jones, 87, of Slidell, Louisiana, died peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026. She was born in Slidell to Howard Jordan and Ineta Blackmon Jordan.

Ellena did many things that were said or thought to be impossible. She married at 14 and remained married to Earl Anthony “EJ” Jones until his death. She survived the loss of her firstborn, Lil EJ, who died in a tragic accident shortly before his third birthday. She later gave birth to Kenny, who doctors said would not live long and, if he did, would not thrive. They were wrong. Raising a child with special needs made Ellena stronger and more of a fighter.

She was a strong woman, a good wife, sister, and aunt, and a dedicated mother. She earned her GED before her oldest child graduated and her Associate’s degree before her youngest graduated from high school. She went on to become an interpreter for the deaf, working in the St. Tammany Parish school system and at Pearl River County High. Ellena was the driving force behind starting the deaf education program in St. Tammany Parish, and Kenny was one of its first three students in Slidell.

Ellena is survived by her twin sister, Selena Jordan Barringer; her children, Howard (Janet), Joseph (Rebecca), Kenny, and Victoria Lumetta (Erik); and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ineta Jordan; her brothers, James and John Jordan; her husband, Earl Anthony Jones; and her firstborn, Earl Anthony Jones Jr.

Ellena loved and prayed for her family daily. She loved old hymns, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and she loved God. She would be the first to tell you she was not perfect, but we have a perfect Savior.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:00 a.m. at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West in Slidell, Louisiana

The funeral service will be held at 11:00am followed by burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Slidell.