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Jordan Kermit Wilson, Sr. 

March 20, 1938 - November 19, 2024

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Educator and civic leader Jordan Kermit Wilson, Sr. ("Kermit") died on November 19th at age 86 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage, New York.  Kermit was born on March 20, 1938, in Carthage, North Carolina, the third of ten children of the late Claude Patrick Wilson and Sophia Ritter Wilson.  After his mother died when he was 13, Kermit went to live with his grandparents, Papa Jordan and Mama Nora, on a hundred-acre farm in the rural town of Robbins, North Carolina. It was an incredibly difficult time for Kermit and his nine siblings as they went from living together under one roof to being scattered across different households. Yet, in the midst of that hardship, there was a silver lining - - a blessing amidst the darkness - - as Kermit entered a loving and supportive household with many cousins, uncles, and aunts.

After attending Pinckney High School in his hometown, Kermit graduated from Livingstone College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.  This was an extraordinary achievement by any measure, but especially for a Black man in the 1950s, a time when racial barriers in education and society were formidable.  Following graduation, Kermit began teaching math in Lumberton, North Carolina. It was here that he met the love of his life, the late Dorothy ("Dot") Lee Green of Wilmington, North Carolina.  

Kermit and Dot were married on August 20, 1960, and together, they had three beautiful children: Jordan, Jeffrey, and Janene. Seeking greater opportunities, Kermit and Dot accepted teaching positions and relocated to Long Island, New York, where they bought a home in North Babylon, a place Kermit would call home for the next 55 years.  

Kermit enjoyed his tenure as a mathematics teacher at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, eventually taking on the role of contract negotiator with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers before his retirement.

 

Until his death, Kermit kept one hand in the spiritual realm and the other in the earthly - -  he was president of the Central Long Island branch of the NAACP and his local Kiwanis, co-founder of the Suffolk County Caucus of Black Democrats, member of the Belmont Civic Association, and two-time candidate in the 1980’s for what was then the 13th District of the Suffolk County Legislature.  

 

One of his most significant contributions was his run for the Suffolk County Legislature in 1983, where he became the first Black candidate to win a democratic primary. His campaign highlighted his leadership, resilience, and vision, showcasing the brilliance and determination of the Town of Babylon community to all of Suffolk County.  His campaign also left a lasting mark, as there are now Black elected officials at most levels of government in Suffolk County.

 

Kermit was a devoted member of Shaw Temple AME Zion Church for over fifty years. He cherished his church and its members, who became his extended family. Throughout his 50-plus year tenure, Kermit served in various roles, including active participation in the Christian Education Department, Trustee Board, Steward Board, Treasurer of the Church, Vacation Bible School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent, where he taught children computer skills.

In addition to his church and political efforts, Kermit coached Little League Baseball and youth basketball.  A portion of Centerwood Street in North Babylon, near his home, will be renamed for him.

As Kermit’s health declined, he was cared for by his eldest son, Jordan, a constant companion and caregiver.  A celebration of life was held on November 26th.  The Reverend Elder D. Morrison preached the eulogy.  

Kermit is survived by his three children Jordan Kermit Wilson, Jr. of North Babylon, NY; Jeffrey Kendrick Wilson (Leslie) of Wheatley Heights, NY and Reverend Janene Wilson Hawkins (David) of Trumbull, CT; grandchildren, Joi Kristina Wilson, Jeffrey Kendrick Wilson, Jr.,  Shelby Alexis Helene Hawkins, and Kendal Allyse Dorothy Hawkins; one sister, Joan Haskins and one brother, Lawrence Wilson; two aunts, Marjorie Brown of Bridgeport, CT and Frankie Peace of Durham, NC, goddaughter Cassandra Williams Metz (Lloyd) and a host of his many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends—all of these he loved and touched deeply.