Clinton,

Dr. Ellen Sue (Powell Mies) Jordan of Clinton, NC passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 24, 2026.  She is survived by her loving husband and caretaker, Coach Randy Jordan; children Michael “Mike” Mies (spouse Shannon Lewis) and Kassy Mies (spouse Sam Adams); and grandchildren Bryce, Wyatt, and Emmett Adams.  She was born to Charles (deceased) and Carol (Ertler) Powell (surviving) on July 26, 1953 in Elyria, Ohio and was raised with her three surviving sisters: Brenda (Powell) Pittman, Diane (Powell) Ward, and Marcia (Powell) Burwell.    

In addition to her family, Ellen’s legacy also includes the vast number of students she influenced as a lifelong educator and a fervent champion of higher education.  After receiving her BS in education, she started her career teaching math and coaching basketball and cheerleading in Gibsonburg, Ohio.  She then earned an MA in statistics and a PhD in operations research as she transitioned into higher education, where she spent the majority of her career.  She was on the faculty at Tiffin University for over a decade where she served as the Chair of the Math Department and then Dean of the Business School.  After spending the last 18 years of her career as the Vice-President of Academic Affairs at the University of Mount Olive, she retired in 2019.  

A memorial service will be held at Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home in Clinton, NC, at 6 PM, Friday, May 1st with Rev. Bobby Lamb and Pastor Steve Adams officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the Dr. Ellen S. Jordan scholarship fund at the University of Mt. Olive.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.crumpler-honeycutt.com.