Martha Sue Rippy Jordan

Martha Sue Rippy Jordan, age 86 of Murfreesboro, died June 27, 2026. She was a native of Gallatin and was preceded in death by her parents, Jird H. and Elizabeth Crenshaw Rippy; and her husband, Herbert Bruce Jordan.

Martha is survived by her son, Michael Jordan and wife Mary Katherine; grandchildren Joseph Jordan and wife Carleigh (great-grand son on the way Baby J); Katherine Jordan Parmer and husband Jack.

Martha Sue, as she was known growing up, was raised in a loving Christian home as an only child and her family were members of Bethpage Methodist church. She attended Gallatin High and graduated in 1957 (Go Green Wave!). She went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University and graduated in 1961 (Go Blue!).

While attending MTSU she met the love of her life, Bruce. He joined the Navy and left MTSU but returned to marry Martha Sue on November 14, 1960. While married they spent time together in Corpus Christi, TX, Pensacola, FL, Nashville, TN, Waverly, TN, Hurricane Mills, TN, and finally Murfreesboro, TN.

Along this journey Martha spent most of her working career as an Administrative Assistant working for the Boy Scouts of America, Avco, Three Rivers Hospital, and the MTSU Alumni Office. During this time, she also sprinkled in owning and managing a restaurant (The Lamplighter), a children’s clothing store (The Children’s Boutique), and farming on the Dude Ranch. Martha retired from full-time work, for one day, at the age of 82, from the Alumni Office at MTSU, where she returned to work as a part-time employee until the age of 84.

Martha developed lifelong friends at every stop along the way and cherished each of them. She remained in regular contact with many of her friends with texts, calls, visits, and lunch outings (her favorite).

She was passionate about baking, gardening, Elvis, playing piano, wordle, the color blue, sipping coffee while watching birds on her sun porch, MTSU sports and especially football tailgating. However, her favorite passion became supporting her grandchildren at any endeavor they would choose which included band, basketball, choir, performing arts, soccer and swimming, just to name a few.

Memorials may be made in memory of Martha to the Blue Raider Athletic Association (BRAA). https://mtsubraa.com/

Visitation will be Monday, July 6th, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, July 7th, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (service to follow) at Woodfin Memorial Chapel Murfreesboro. Private graveside at Mapleview Cemetery. www.woodfinchapel.com