JOR'DAN'S STORY

Jor'Dan Michelle Shelton was born on October 5, 2001, to Morris and Laurie Shelton at Minden Medical Center. She is the youngest of 3 children. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Him at White Oak M.B.C.  From Day 1, Jor'Dan showed a distinctive personality… fearless to the outdoors and there was no challenge she wouldn't face.

Her love for basketball was undeniable.  The first moment she held a basketball, she never put it down. Her career started at the age of 6 when she signed up for the Upward Bound in Haynesville.  She then went on to play for Minden Recreational Center where she had the opportunity to travel and see a number of WNBA games. It was then that she realized her dream was to play professional basketball.  Jor'Dan was a Homer Lady Pelican from 2012 to 2020 where she was a Starter in every game. She led the Lady Pels to the High School Playoffs four consecutive years earning numerous accolades from All-State Honorable Mention to Ms. Rebound and the esteemed All-District Team .  Her competitive spirit and skills were also recognized, being named as All-Academic from Freshman to Senior Year.  In 2020, Jor'Dan achieved top honors and was selected to play for the West in the Louisiana All-Area All-Star game.

But her basketball career wasn't just in her high school gym. Jor'Dan was also a powerhouse for Southern Krushers Academy (SKA)- her AAU Basketball Team.  As she traveled the nation playing her passion, she gained more notoriety and attention from college scouts in the audience.  Jor'Dan had scholarship offers from several colleges and universities by her Senior year, and in making her decision, realized she wanted to be at a place that felt most like home, and from there, Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) became family. She continued her career and education in Camden, Arkansas on a full basketball scholarship while majoring in Criminal Justice.  Her success continued in Camden being nominated and selected to the All-Regional Team in 2021 and 2022.  This past season, she led the Lady Rockets to their first Region 2 Championship Title.  Basketball afforded her more than attention and success.  It gifted her with a host of bonus brothers and sisters- also known as her teammates.

Jor'Dan Shelton was known for more than her talents.  She was a young lady with a beautiful spirit.  Her charisma was only overshadowed by her bright, affectionate smile.  Always positive, kind, and gracious to others, she had a non-boastful presence, never over-reaching for attention; yet leaving her mark on every space and place she entered.  Basketball was as much a part of her DNA as riding horses and enjoying spending time with family and friends.  From her horses, Proper Lady, Candy, Dallas, and Hardwood, to her mud-slinging 4-wheelers, there was not a single Trail Ride that didn't know her name.  And just like on the court, she was known by everyone- but this time as "Lil Shep 2.0."  With her love for animals, it was no surprise she aspired to pursue a career in Veterinarian Medicine.  Jor'Dan planned to transition her studies to Texas in hopes of becoming a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine (DVM).  Just like her namesake, Michael Jordan once remarked, "Heart is what separates the Good from the Great." Jor'Dan Shelton's heart and calm nature made her GREAT… In all of God's creations… She is one of the Greatest of All Time (The GOAT).

Jor'Dan is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents- Amos and Earlene Shelton and Willie and Mary Ann Shelman.  She leaves an impact to be remembered by her Father and Mother, Morris and Laurie Shelton; two Sisters, Passion and Tarvianca Shelman (TJ); two Bonus Brothers, Jemarrious and Demarcus Jr. Shelton; a Nephew, Bernard Jr.; three Nieces, Jade, Baile, and Jamiah; a special Aunt, Vickie; one Godson Kylen; and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends, Teammates, and Coaches.