Mrs. Mary Belle B. Jordan affectionately known as "Monk", 71, of Winston-Salem, NC departed this life on December 10, 2007 at the Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center after a brief illness.

She was born September 26, 1936 to John H. and Rebecca C. Benson.

Mrs. Jordan was a life-long resident of Winston-Salem and was a graduate of Atkins High School, Class of '54 and Winston-Salem State University.

She was a retired employee of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center with 28 years of services as a registered nurse.

Mrs. Jordan was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years where she served faithfully in the following: Adult Ladies Sunday School; Mass, Spiritual, and Senior Choirs; D. Everette Bible Study; Nan Saunders Missionary Group; Kitchen, Decorating, Senior Quilting, and Bereavement Committees.

She was active in and around the community; appearing in the book Crowns: Portrait of Black Women in Church Hats, a member of the Kniffty Knitters and Sit-A-Size Class of the 14th Street Community Center, and winning numerous awards for her homemade ice cream at the Downtown Church's Ice Cream Social and for her tasty dishes at the Dixie Classic Fair.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Jordan leaves to mourn her loss her husband of 51 years, Mr. Charlie J. Jordan, Sr. of the home; daughters, Marcella L. Jordan, Pamela L. Jordan, and Mrs. Medina G. Hunter all of Winston-Salem, NC, and Mrs. Cecelia J. (Lonnie) Dukes of Hope Mills, NC; sons, Charlie J. Jordan, Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC, and Edwardo B. (Julie) Jordan of Columbia, NC; sisters, Mrs. Margretta Key, Mrs. Roxie (Carl) Burns, and Mrs. Alice (Lawrence) Lindsay all of Winston-Salem, NC and Mrs. Queen (Alton) Withee of Massachusetts; brothers, John H. Benson, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, George (Sharon) Benson and Edwin (Clarie) Benson both of California, and Leroy (Annie) Benson of Mocksville, NC; grandchildren, Brandi, Dewan, Jimmy, Malik, and Jamese; three great-grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A home going celebration of her life will be held at Noon Saturday, December 15, 2007 from the Emmanuel Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. John Mendez officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 6pm until 8pm Friday, December 14, 2007 from Emmanuel Baptist Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center: 11th Ardmore Tower East and the Acute Care, CCU 7th Floor, and ICU 5A fir the care provided to our loved one.