Colleen (Coby) Jordan was born on September 11, 1928, in Springfield , MO, to Otto Carl Gelsheimer and Anna Harpool Gelsheimer. She was welcomed into a family of two sisters, Margaret and Betty, and one brother, Bill. She resided in Springfield, Missouri and attended Springfield Public Schools for all twelve years. She then attended Southwest Missouri State for two years.

Coby met Perry Jordan on a blind date and they were married on April 28,1949, in Springfield, Missouri.

To this marriage a daughter was born: Deborah Sue.

After marriage, the couple moved to Jefferson City, Missouri and then to Edwardsville, Illinois. Perry then found employment with Continental Oil Company, now known as ConocoPhillips.

During the following years Perry and Coby moved to many different places due to Perry's job with Conoco. Living in Hannibal, MO, St. Louis, MO and Houston, TX afforded them many dear friends with whom the couple stayed in contact with throughout the years.

In 1951 Perry and Coby welcomed a daughter, Deborah Sue. They saw her earn her degree in Music Education and enjoyed following her career as a music educator. Deborah married James Kanyo and they have four children between them: Dustin (Samantha) Davault, Derrick (Laci) Davault, Jeremy Kanyo, and Courtney Veszi.

Five grandchildren were born into the family: Brynden and Brystel were born to Dustin and Samantha, Delanie and Dani were born to Derrick and Laci, and Oszkar was born to Courtney.

Coby was one of a kind! Although she only worked outside the home for a couple of years after marriage, she and Perry would discuss his job as his rose up the ladder and she always gave him excellent advice. She was a fabulous grandmother and always supportive of her daughter and son-in-law. She loved to watch television, especially Dr. Phil and Judge Judy. Everyday at four o'clock she would drink one beer, just one, and eat Lays potato chips!

Services for Coby will be April 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri, Tony Blevins officiant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Department at Kimberling City Methodist Church, 57 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, Missouri 65686