Ida Kay Jordan passed away at her home in Portsmouth, VA on December 5, 2021.  She was born June 4, 1931 in Edenton, NC and was predeceased by her parents Skinner B. Jordan and Vivian Campen Jordan and her only sister Vivian Williams Kloe.

Ida Kay had a long and rewarding career as a newspaper reporter and journalist beginning as a teenager with The Daily Advance in Elizabeth City, NC. After graduating from Wake Forest University, she worked for the News and Observer as an editor and, in later years, as a mainsheet reporter and a columnist with the Virginian Pilot.   She was a mentor to many who have gone on to other endeavors in their careers.

Ida Kay loved the arts.  She was a huge supporter of the Seawall Art Show and many artists from around the country knew and loved her. She loved politics, opera, the symphony, public radio, libraries and, most of all, the people of her community.  An ardent supporter of diversity and inclusion, Ida Kay was saddened by the lack of regionalism and its cause in this wide community.

She enjoyed being invited to schools to talk about journalism to young students.  She was particularly fond of Portsmouth Regional Catholic School where she spoke at their Middle School.  Presenting them with one of her famous Giraffes, Ida Kay taught them that the secret of success was to never be afraid to "stick their necks out".

Ida Kay was appreciative of the excellent care provided by Home Sweet Home, Inc., and especially by her primary caregivers, Latoya Lawrence and Ashley Gore who were faithful, compassionate and caring.

In accordance with her wishes, Ida Kay will not have a funeral; her ashes will be interred at Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton, NC  in the Campen Family plot. A memorial concert is being arranged for a future date, also at her direction.

Memorial contributions may be made to Support Portsmouth Public Art, P.O. Box 232, Portsmouth VA 23705; Portsmouth Catholic Regional School (PCRS), 2301 Oregon Avenue, Portsmouth VA 23701; St. John's Church, 424 Washington Street, Portsmouth VA 23704 or to a charity of choice.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.